Tribunal - to appear in person or go with evidence submitted? advice please

[ChaiLatteandAsprinkleofchocolate]

Hi everyone,
I am filling out the form for an appeal at tribunal what is the best option? paper appeal (apparently quicker as evidence reviewed then a decision made) or in person (appears to be done via a video link/remote)

I know its relative to personal preference but in this instance would it hold more weight to be seen? worried I might get emotional actually and breakdown which I don't want to do I want to be strong but it is all quite emotive.

Any thoughts/experiences/advice very welcome

Thanks

I would recommend an oral hearing. I wouldn’t be agreeing to the case being heard on the papers in your case. It isn’t wise for a BFI appeal.

HI @scoopofmintchocchipicecream thanks for the advice that is really helpful, just to let you know, I don't have an EP yet....I have contacted ALOT of EP's a few can't/won't travel (I have offered to travel to them but its been a no) but in the main they are just full and not taking any more cases. I haven't given up hope. I might have to just submit the papers..... and then after submission I actually have one option (someone you suggested) who said if I can't get anyone they might be able to take me on in September. This is late I know but failing all else it seems to be prudent to just go with that. You have helped me so much so thank you, you have been a great source of knowledge and support 😃

Get the appeal submitted ASAP.

If you haven’t even submitted the appeal yet, September will be fine. Did you contact JL? I don’t know whether she still has, but she had availability in the summer.

Hi @scoopofmintchocchipicecream I did contact JL unfortunately that person is really expensive (£2,950), plus non refundable booking of £450 I expect to pay a high amount and I know that person is really good but its just a little too high, plus we would have to travel. The other one is flat rate and over 2 grand (might be some additional costs) but no booking fee that i'm aware of atm. I did consider JL but tbh its quite a pay out that I can't comfortably fork out knowing I am 50/50 on a win or lose, I have been really taken aback by how much it costs to fight this. I mean I never knew EP's charged so much. Its been quite a revelation and i'm considering re-training (i'm joking but woah! lucrative). I have considered pulling out but DD was crestfallen when I told her LA wont allow her to go to that school and nothing else fits (have visited a lot of other options)......if ultimately I don't get response from the one that told me they might be able to take me on from September (just contacted them again) I might have to fall back on JL but it would be a last resort due to the high cost (I know they are good and would no doubt be comprehensive but..... anyways now its sorting paper work in a heat wave like my brain is not already fried 😂......

Yes, expensive. Sadly, within the normal price range for a medico-legal report for SENDIST.

If funds are a problem, have you checked if you are eligible for legal aid? If you are eligible, the legal help system can fund assessments where necessary. If you aren’t eligible, you could look at charity funding.

I haven't checked my eligibility @scoopofmintchocchipicecream or charity funding, it has given me food for thought, thank you. its something I will look into, even if it doesn't come to fruition there is a chance it might and I hadn't considered it so thanks again I will see if it might be an option. Thank you 😄

I originally opted for an oral hearing, I was entitled tl legal aid which was a god send.
after afew month the solicitors rang and said do you want to change to a paper hearing as evidence (old and new from them) were really strong.
i was back and forth for a week about it and decided to go for it, it was then booked in for 2 weeks later.
we won.

it’s a hard decision to make, make sure evidence is water tight.

Hi @Sunshineclouds11 Thank you so much for sharing your experience, I really appreciate it... I am finding all of it quite overwhelming there is so much paper work but knowing others have been here and got through it, is a huge uplift....Well done for persevering and big congratulations on your win I can only imagine the relief lovely news to hear😄