To be involved in family law court proceedings is incredibly stressful, particularly in cases about disputes over children. I speak from a personal as well as a professional perspective.
Many...Read moreTo be involved in family law court proceedings is incredibly stressful, particularly in cases about disputes over children. I speak from a personal as well as a professional perspective.
Many people on low to moderate incomes are simply unable to afford a high street lawyer, following the withdrawal of legal aid for most family cases in 2013.
I can liaise with your ex's lawyers to hopefully help you reach a mutually acceptable agreement, strategically using legal arguments and case law to bolster your entitlement. I can also help you present your case to a judge for those issues which cannot be reached by agreement and provide legal/moral support for you in the court room and in pre hearing discussions.
Whilst some litigants in person are able to complete a C100 form, there is a certain level of skill required in drafting a witness statement and preparing more complex documentation for the courts.
I also help clients prepare parenting plans and to resolve disputes regarding the exercise of parental responsibility.
It cannot be overstated how important it is to get the witness statement right, keeping the information factual and being able to present your case strategically. Usually, only one witness statement is permitted on each party's behalf (although the court may allow extended family members/friends/professionals to prepare a witness statement on your behalf if their evidence is considered to be relevant). It therefore needs to be concise yet compelling to prove your case.
In divorce finances, I can also help with complex court paperwork required from FDA (first directions appointment) to financial dispute resolution hearing (FDR) and up to a final contested hearing if necessary. Such paperwork may include proposal for settlement letters, questionnaires, case summaries, expert letters of instruction, trial bundles, skeleton arguments, narrative witness statements, consent orders etc.
Domestic abuse is another of my areas of expertise: whether you need to protect yourself from abuse (non-molestation order), defend an application, or determine who is to live in the family home (occupation order), I can assist you every step of the way.
