Advice regarding refund for Barrister Fees at FHDRA

[Clarasaden]

Hi I just had a first hearing as the respondent, both parties wanting a section 7 in family court case with safeguarding issues.
There was only 1 judge, not 3 as there should have been so no permission could be granted to obtain the section 7 and the hearing was subsequently adjourned for 3 months to then have go back to being a first hearing again.
My question is are you able to apply for some sort of full or partial refund of the barristers fees as it’s cost £1,500 for nothing to happen which is neither the fault of myself or my barrister and now have to find that same money to start all over again with a FHDRA., thank you.

Realistically? No. It's a bloody disgrace, but it's standard operating procedure nowadays. I'm sorry.

I don’t think you will be able to get a refund. The Barrister has had to prepare for your hearing and has been booked to deal with your case, rather than doing other work. It is annoying for you though.

Sorry what I meant is from the court given it was them that didn’t provide the amount of judges they should have. I wasn’t going to try and claim anything from the Barrister direct,, as you said he done his part.

I spent £35,000k on legal fees. My ex managed to get adjournments for two final hearings (no baby sitter and the other was pure bonkers) another was adjourned as social worker had Covid. I never got any money back. The reason for the second adjournment was blamed on the district judge as he couldn't handle my ex's antics (said the DJ who had reserved our case) even though it was that judges fault I still wasn't awarded costs.

My barrister said there used to be a fund if it was the courts fault but that doesn't exist anymore.

So it's highly unlikely you will get your money back.