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Go it alone you simply can't rely on anyone but yourself.
I would definitely follow that up with them, they will have a code of conduct to follow.
Well now the BPBU have a copy of the dreaded CAFCASS report - all great up to the recommendations that contradict the professional judgements and previous involvments and recommendations. and the new hearing listing docs they are re-reviewing the case.
i think personally unless the judge deals with it at the upcomming hearing then it'll go to a contested hearing which the BPBU will authorise assistance for me.
so who knows....all i know is if it doesn't get sorted soon i may have no options left but to walk away.
Has anybody on the forum had success via this route ie gained free legal advice and / or representation?
I was giving serious thought into placing an application via my MP On behalf of my Son but obviously making an application involves a fair amount of time and effort which I would be happy to make if there was some hope of gaining assistance.
Having conducted extensive research into free legal advice etc , it appears to me that unless you live in one of the major cities there is little available and that many of these so called 'free legal advice offers ' are little more than marketing strategies to attract new ( paying) clients.
I'm happy to be proved wrong and would be good to get feedback from other Members on sources of assistance
Hi Mamabear
Our members have had mixed experiences with getting free legal representation so it's always worth a shot. In addition to applying for free legal assistance, there are many other resources available to you and your son.
Coram Children's Legal Centre have an excellent free helpline if you are unrepresented;
http://www.childrenslegalcentre.com/
Families Need Fathers who are a shared parenting charity, run local branch meetings around the country where you can get guidance and support before, during and after the court process;
http://www.fnf.org.uk/help-and-support-2/local-branch-meetings
The other choice you have is to use a McKenzie Friend who specialises in this area, it's an unregulated industry so make sure you ask for recommendations but they really can be an excellent support.
Good luck
Just to reiterate, Coram Children's Legal Centre are a charity that offer free legal advice, and are not touting for private business - any advice you get from them will be completely free with no strings attached.
Ta for that - It's a nightmare getting through to Coram which just goes to show how many people are desperately seeking advice , but I will try again tommorrow
if you haven't already read their page on what to do prior to calling them, might be worth doing so here http://www.childrenslegalcentre.com/index.php?page=free_legal_advice
Do keep trying Coram, they are very helpful.
i've been told by the Bar Pro Bono Unit that they would try to find a volunteer Barrister to represent me but they need minimum of three weeks notice of hearings and can't always get a volunteer barrister due to how busy they can be.
they'd said they'd authorise to find a barrister and still will but its not a given that they'll be able to.
i'm now waiting on seeing if they can get me one for the end of the year (final hearing) if not i'm going to have to get another loan out and get one hired in for it....i cannot afford to risk my lack of knowledge to allow my ex to get a slap on the wrist this time......5.5yrs through the courts is too much now when there was never any reason for it.
CORAM do give good advice once you can get through to them.
Going to put an application in & cross fingers . As to your going through this system for over 5 years [censored] - I just don't know how you handle it for so long? As if not seeing ( in our case) or ongoing problems with contact is not stressful enough WITHOUT a system that seems designed to alienate all but the most persistent and determined Fathers. Good luck , hope you get a 'kick [censored]' Barrister
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