Representing self in court re contact

Gillyg1_2

My 6 yr old daughter has said that she does not want to visit her dad unless I go too. I can't do this anymore, as it is very stressful for me. I have a number of welfare concerns re her safety alone with him, and have suggested mediation & supervised contact in the meantime. Her dad has rejected this and is taking me to court. He does not work and is able to access free legal support.

I'm not entitled to Legal Aid and unable to fund a solicitor, so have been advised to represent myself.

We were never married, he does not have PR, he has never taken care of his daughter on a regular basis, nor supported her financially - we currently get £5 per week maintenance. I believe he is taking me to court to harrass me, rather than to seek a resolution - as I've tried and tried to resolve this. Any arrangements we make he does not stick to.

Am terrified as have never been into a court in my life - any tips? Can I access an advocate?

mummy_Jay

I take it from your statement, that his solicitor has contacted you and its gone beyond just a threat.

I've pm'd you with some advice.

Other than that, ome solicitors do free clinics, it may be both trying to find one in your area and getting some advice on the 'solicistors letter' you have so far recieved.

If you can avoid court using mediation or other means do, as family court its a horrid stressful experience.

If may also be worth contacting cafcass and asking them when they get involved and what that would mean. All I can really say is try to understand the process and what it will involve.

claireac

I've been through the whole family court process and it's not as scary as it sounds, although I did have a solicitor (and barrister for court).

It's not actually a "court" as such, it's a room with a long table with the judge at the head and you sit one side and he would sit the other with his representation.

If you tried to go through mediation etc, that will all go in your favour. I can't give you any other advice I'm afraid, but I wish you well.

mummy_Jay

claireac wrote: »

It's not actually a "court" as such, it's a room with a long table with the judge at the head and you sit one side and he would sit the other with his representation.

I think this depends what county your in, when I went through it, it was set up as a normal court room just without an audience option for the hearing, then it went to the long table option there after.

DigitalJedi

Google Mckenzie friends. You still have to represent yourself but you'd have someone who could be there to help give you moral support and help you formulate what you will say and a strategy. They are not solicitors though and will not be allowed to speak.

floss2

Also, contact the Court and ask for a familiarisation visit so you are aware of the room & its setup on the day.

yoni_one

Gillyg1 wrote: »

I believe he is taking me to court to harrass me, rather than to seek a resolution - as I've tried and tried to resolve this. Any arrangements we make he does not stick to.

Am terrified as have never been into a court in my life - any tips? Can I access an advocate?

Try talking to someone at Rights of Women (free legal advice), the phone number is in my signature but the line is only open during certain hours.

Full details on their website www.row.org.uk

If your ex is using this as means of harrassment and control you should be entitled to support and possible advocacy from your local Women's Aid (if they have an outreach or helpline service). Again the helpline to find your local service is in my signature but more info on the website www.womensaid.org.uk

Good luck

space_rider

I got alot of good info from Rights of Women as I represented myself. They sent me a pack which was very useful. I didn`t find it daunting at all.

Pee

Surely it is worth getting a solicitor to represent you if you feel your child's safety is at risk?

space_rider

Pee wrote: »

Surely it is worth getting a solicitor to represent you if you feel your child's safety is at risk?

I agree with you but if you can`t get legal aid and you can`t afford a solicitor then you are stuck. No way could I use the money for my necessary bills and food for a solicitor. I could have left my job but that wasn`t acceptable.