Family court / contact orders. Is a solicitor necessary?

princessdreamer

Can I just point out I'm just over 5ft my sons are 5ft 7 and around 5ft respectively, the idea is ludicrous.

FarmersWife_2

princessdreamer wrote: »

Can I just point out I'm just over 5ft my sons are 5ft 7 and around 5ft respectively, the idea is ludicrous.

Thats just the way it is... Im not saying it is right... just the way that the law sees it...

Cx

Caroline_a

I represented myself, but did have a solicitor in the background. It was tough I have to say, but, you will be speaking from the heart, your ex's solicitor won't. I honestly think that made a huge difference to my appearances in court - and because my ex kept challenging the decision there were 4 over the space of a year. My advice to you is that if your ex does go to court and has a clever solicitor, make sure that you have any facts about his violence/drug taking, etc proven as much as possible. Also think about potential witnesses who would speak up on behalf of you if it comes to a full hearing - my ex hadn't thought about this, and the judge made him look a fool.

I would ask yourself though, why is he doing this now? My ex pure and simple wanted to stay in the marital home. Once I had residency he couldnt. Yours is a very different case - what agenda do you think he has?

RAS

Caroline_a wrote: »

I would ask yourself though, why is he doing this now? My ex pure and simple wanted to stay in the marital home. Once I had residency he couldnt. Yours is a very different case - what agenda do you think he has?

My first thought when I read the OP was that this man has got a half decent girlfriend who is surprised that he has no contact. Amazing how often that prompts exs to express interest in children who they have not seen for years.

Cat1

RAS wrote: »

My first thought when I read the OP was that this man has got a half decent girlfriend who is surprised that he has no contact. Amazing how often that prompts exs to express interest in children who they have not seen for years.

This has def been the case in the past! I think he probably does come under a lot of pressure from his friends and family to make contact and he could well have made the legal aid application up to appease them. I am in contact with his sister, she is a lovely person and we met up briefly about 6 months ago as DS wanted to meet his cousins - ex would have heard about this and it may have reignited his interest. Not heard anything yet however.

Cafcass is a bit of a worry. DS says to me that he doesn't want to see him. I had to have a chat to DS last night and I told him that his dad may attempt to make contact. DS was very upset initially but calmed down when I said that he couldn't be forced. I would be concerned that Cafcass could see a glimmer of curiosity from DS and take it that contact is appropriate. DS likes to know about the other half of his genetic makeup but he doesn't necessarily want to see them if that makes sense. His autism makes that kind of thing really hard for him. He would love to see his family tree and possibly photographs but wouldnt want to take it any further bless him!

Anyhow - no solicitors letter has turned up and my informant has no further info for me! I will let you all know as soon as it does and thank you everyone for taking the time to post - I really really appreciate it ! x

becky1_2

I can't really add much to this other than to say that I would always recommend using the free initial consultation offered by a solicitor. If you can't afford to use them for the case then at least you will have a little information to help you along the way.

I used a McKenzie Friend for my contact dispute and it worked out very well. You do have to remember though, that they cannot speak for you in Court (unless the Judge allows them to do so), although mine did get permission.

There are a few on the internet. But, with everything else, you do have to be careful. I won't specifically mention the one that I used (as I am not sure that I am allowed) but I chose out of the following, if it helps. I can't post links as I am a new user. But here goes anyway.

yourmckenziefriend.co.uk
mckenziefriend.biz
hylton-potts.com

Hope it works out for you.