Has anyone represented themselves in court regarding children contact?

[orangehead]

In middle of going to court with x to sort out contact arrangements as he has not seen them for 2 yrs and when he did was neglecting them on the days he had them. I am now with a new patner so we are no longer able to get legal aid, even though we cant afford the solistors costs. Even if we could cant see why we should throw away money because he threw everything away that he had and seriously messed up, espeacially as he is working but yet refuses to pay maintance. Has anyone represented themselves? Or know if it is possible or any advice? Thanks

bump

It is possible but not really advisable. The whole system can be quite complicated and it is very daunting going to court even when represented. If you are intending to stand up and represent yourself, it will be even more so.

The judge will do his/her best to ensure you are not disadvantaged by lack of representation, but I have to say that, if your ex is represented and you are not, he will have the upper hand.

I represented myself, the judge was very good, and did not allow the opposing solicitor to trample me down, and he made sure I understood everything. I got a favourable outcome.

The solicitor will try to get you on your own before the case and make you agree to all sorts of things. Politely refuse to discuss anything until you are before the judge.

I think self-representation is becoming more common. Are Cafcass involved? If so, keep them on side, the judge will not oppose any recommendation that Cafcass make, and a cafcass officer in the room, on your side, is worth ten soliciters.

I also represented myself. Didn't have a choice as the cost were getting so big!
1st time I managed to get the court to go for a temporary order until CAFCASS had become involved and made a report.
2nd time got washed out by "his" barrister ( yes barrister) and the judge who didn't give me a chance to speak. the judge was standing in for the day and was a high court judge, which ment huge costs if I wanted to do anything about it, from what I was told on a free half hour with local solicitor.
3rd time again usual judge and a good result. I would point out that I was the one summond to court by xdh each time he got annoyed with me, by the third time the Judge concluded he was basically waisting the courts time and didn't really want to see him take action against me again!
It's scary but I treated it as if I was talking to just the judge as a friend ( bit more polite tho ). My advise is if you can afford it get represented. If you can't then research as much as you can, be down to the point and leave your emotions out of the court room. Breath deep, drink the water and concentrate on talking to the judge in a clear concise manner with a clear wanted outcome and where you maybe willing to compromise. I personally didn't look at Xdh as he would try and get to me, because of this there was a time where he got so angry his barrister loudly told him to shut up and calm down! in the court room!
You need to come across as the person you are, most importantly showing your concern, love for your DC but with a Business head on!
Hope it helps ( from the way things are going at the moment here I'll be in court again soon !! and the amount of "study" and court room time I have had x the amount of years I have been doing this, I should have got my Law degree LOL ( would have made it easier)

It was going to name change, but haven't. I'm mid Childrens Act too.

Its scary but once you are in there, focus keep the children's welfare above your own feelings (difficult I know) and give sensible EMOTIONLESS answers to ex h's requests

For my final hearing I'm trying to get representation as I don't trust I can get the result that is best for the children without representation. .... I'm (currently) not entitled to legal aid either