Self Representation in Divorce

SuzieSue

Yes, my husband used a solicitor initially when he divorced his ex, but did has much as he could himself and represented himself at the hearing.

MonkeyLoo

And did he do well? Did he achieve his desired outcome?

littleme82

Hi, just to let you know that court fees went up on 01 July 2013. The fee to issue the divorce petition is now £410. This however includes the fee for the Decree Absolute. So in effect the rise is only £25.00 (used to be £340 for the petition and £45 for the absolute).

Depending on your financial circumstances you may be eligible for an exemption on the court fees. Look at form EX160 for guidance.

SuzieSue

MonkeyLoo wrote: »

And did he do well? Did he achieve his desired outcome?

Yes to a certain extent but obviously there is no way of knowing if a solicitor would have done better however he is an accountant and so is used to dealing with financial matters. The financial affairs were quite complex (there was more than one property but very little equity and there were several pensions.) His ex just wanted to get as much as she could and he just had to give in on certain matters. It was obviously very stressful for us both.

He was encouraged to go to mediation but the mediator was just useless and didn't seem to understand anything and seemed to be on his wife's side about everything.


What is your situation? Is there much equity and do you have pensions?

MonkeyLoo

I'm not sure of the court costs. The divorce will be processed in a court in Scotland

RAS

Scottish law on divorce is SO different that you really really do need advice from people who are well versed in the systems over the border.

Make sure that whenever you join any forum you indicate that Scottish law applies in the htread title. Or find specialist Scottish forums.

MonkeyLoo

Ok, sorry I should have mentioned it was a Scottish divorce.
My original question was about self representation. I don't believe the law is any different in Scotland on that front. Its anyone's right to represent themselves in court.
My ex's refusal to deal directly with me also if I don't have legal representation I also believe is incorrect. How else would he propose to resolve matters? I'm not refusing to co operate, I am simply refusing to have a solicitor. As party litigant from what I have read, he should deal with me directly.