WELCOME NEW MEMBERS. INTRODUCE YOURSELF HERE

[scarlettohara]

As I have now run out of money (really due to ex's timewasting), I will have to represent myself in court on 19 July re the financial issues relating to my divorce. Apparently the court staff will help people on their own but I don't even know what I am supposed to say or take with me ? Now I've told my solicitors I can't pay them anymore they are not very helpful - surprise

Edited July 25, 2011 by Guest

[Chucky Mama]

No expert but would say keep it factual rather than emotional. Don't power dress, make it clear by your manner and dress that you are a mere mortal.

[keyhole kate]

No expert but would say keep it factual rather than emotional. Don't power dress, make it clear by your manner and dress that you are a mere mortal.

 

All excellent advice from Chucky Mama I am certain judges don't expect you to be an expert I would organise my financial paperword in such away that makes you feel confident you can locate and refer to it with ease Lots of omlet positive vibes going with you as well

[Henchanted]

...... Apparently the court staff will help people on their own but I don't even know what I am supposed to say or take with me ? ....

 

Hi

maybe you can contact the courts directly to ask those questions, someone there will be able to answer or direct you to the relevent info.

I found this on the directgov website http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Governmentcitizensandrights/Divorceseparationandrelationshipbreakdown/Moneypropertyandpossessionswhenyourrelationshipends/Workingoutmoneyandpropertythroughancillaryrelief/DG_193768

might be useful to you perhaps?

 

Good luck

[scarlettohara]

Thanks - don't have any power clothes anyway The application for ancilliary relief is already in order, I know that there is a form G that I have to fill in but have no idea how to go about it. Have managed to find a legal aid solicitor in St Albans but she can't see me until next Friday which is 2 days before the court date

[snowberry]

Sorry, not knowing the situation, could you ask the judge to award costs to you? If he's cost you money by mucking about then you should expect to be recompensed...

[keyhole kate]

Thanks - don't have any power clothes anyway The application for ancilliary relief is already in order, I know that there is a form G that I have to fill in but have no idea how to go about it. Have managed to find a legal aid solicitor in St Albans but she can't see me until next Friday which is 2 days before the court date

 

CAB :idea are you taking a friend for moral support

[scarlettohara]

Have rung the court and they have a voluntary support service - I am going to see them next week to discuss my case and they will provide someone to support me on the day

[Tiggy]

no useful info from me but i wish you all the best it sounds scary

[Space Chick]

I represented myself when a heating firm ripped me off. I was advised to wear a pretty dress to look more feminine and vunerable. I was also told to speak firmly but nervously, and not to get emotional, only focus on the facts. I did as I was told, I won

[scarlettohara]

I have a pretty dress and won't need to fake the nervous part, thanks Debs looking forward to seeing you next weekend

[Pipichick]

There was a program on Radio 4 about cuts in legal aid and hence the increase in people having to represent themselves this Tuesday http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0128pyk In it you will find info about a group of volunteers who have experience of helping people in court, I think they are called 'Milligan friends' ???? But all the info will be on the program. Good luck

[scarlettohara]

Yes I have an appointment with them on Thursday

[keyhole kate]

Yes I have an appointment with them on Thursday

I am very pleased for you I'm certain it won't be as scary as you think fingers crossed

[scarlettohara]

My best friend who lives in Kent and is going through the same as me has contacted her solicitor for me as she thinks he may be able to help. He works from home and his costs are a lot lower.

[snowberry]

think you mean McKenzie Friends Here is a link to some info if that's ok:

http://www.mckenziefriendfamilylaw.com/

[cathybc]

sorry, wouldn't know where to start but wishing you all the best x

[scarlettohara]

think you mean McKenzie Friends Here is a link to some info if that's ok:

http://www.mckenziefriendfamilylaw.com/

 

Yes I think it is the same thing but I don't have to pay anything.

[sadietoo]

I'm not sure if it would help,and I may be a mile off the mark,

but in "normal" court cases the judge has a copy of whatever is being referred to...I'm sure this will be a lot more informal..but it may be worth checking with the court whether or not it would be helpful to photocopy a set of paperwork for the judge too, so that he can see what it is you are referring to if it's bank statements or whatever....

[scarlettohara]

Sadietoo - he will have case notes already and I have copies of everything. You wouldn't believe the amount of stuff I have had to send 15 months of bank statements, utility bills, wage slips, credit cards statements, this is all part of my Form E which the court requires.

[Charlottechicken]

I've got nothing meaningful to offer in the way of advice either, but just wanted to say good luck, I'll be thinking of you and sending positive vibes your way.

[scarlettohara]

I got up this am and typed up my Questionnaire and Statement of Intent, now they need to be logged with the court (should have been done last Weds but hopefully be OK - exs fault not mine). I'm hoping to hear from a solicitor on Monday who is currently handling a friends divorce, she thinks he may be able to act for me (he is much cheaper as works from home). Please keep everything crossed as do not want to go to court on my own

[rosie]

I assume that the hearing is for a 'First Appointment', and that you should both have filed your Form Es. This is just an admin hearing, when the judge decides if all information is available, and what else is needed, ie agreed valuations of property etc. It will be judge lead, the judge will decide if the items either of you have requested will actually be obtained.

You need to find out beforehand if you will be eligible for Legal Aid. It is quite some years since I did legal aid and criteria were changing even then. Should be a gov. site somewhere for this. Values of fmh will even affect. You then need to find a Good and Recommended legal aid lawyer who has some 'case starts' ie capacity in their annual allocation, available.They won't want to go with you at this stage, so ask for an adjournment whilst you sort this out. Put your request in writing to the court before you go.

If you won't get legal aid, then does your husband have capital in his name? Ask that he releases some to you now to pay for your legal costs so you can be represented. Put this in writing to the court before you go so the judge knows what you will be asking for and why. Say you couldn't comply with all previous court directions as you could not afford to continue with paying your lawyer without this money. I wouldn't attempt to 'cobble' your Form E yourself at this stage. Once it's there it will be part of your evidence.

These hearings are always in private and the judge will be sympathetic to an unrepresented person so don't worry. Good luck !

[scarlettohara]

My form E has been done for ages and is lodged with the court Everything is in order except for my questionnaire and statment, I just need some help with this and am hoping the solicitor I am waiting to hear from can help. He has an excellent track record and does legal aid. My Mum has offered to pay for any costs incurred from now on if legal aid cannot be set up in time (I am entitled to legal aid - this was ascertained this week), my ex has lots of capital but is refusing to even pay for a new boiler to be installed at our home

 

I'm not as worried about attending on my own (although I will have my volunteer support) as making sure the court have all the right documents at the right time - I just need someone experienced to help with that aspect

[rosie]

Sounds as if you are up to speed with most. For your Questionnaire, get in as much as you can, just to keep hubby busy and spending lots with his own lawyers! Has to be relevant of course, but men in particular don't like justifying their expenditure by going through their Bank and Credit Card bills item by item. Also compare income proof with Credit Card expenditure.

Your boiler-ask that the cost is covered by hubby now. Not sure you can have an interim lump sum order, but lay it on thick about you and children(?) having no hot water etc. Judge has a lot of discretion at such hearings.