[Solved] Court procedures - a guide

That's why reading the Practice Directions is important.....yes you're right, perhaps something for your guide.

Do you mean the practice directions regarding bundles (27a)?

There's a sticky about PD27a in the legal eagle section. In fact there are two pages of stickys about most of the things you mention... I appreciate what your saying, but most people that come here for a reason want to interact with others and ask questions, regardless of whether there are answers to their questions already posted, it's the nature of a forum.

Most father's have no legal training and many are dealing with overwhelming emotions and stress - reading the sticky about PD27a is to say the least a little confusing and to most dads would seem to be an essay in legalese and mumbo jumbo.

If there was a guide, in plain english - explaining what a bundle is, whether you have rights to receive one or discuss what the content of one is, things would be a lot simpler for them.

I think you're right about the reasons we come to the forum - it's comforting knowing there are other people going through the same problems and that there are people that can answer your questions. It's why I come here as well.

But to be honest I hardly ever look at the stickys. They're often hard to find, hard to understand, or veer off on subjects that don't apply - when you're stressed and dealing with mountains of paperwork and trying to find answers, reading through several stickys becomes overwhelming. Often I'm so stressed that I don't even ask the questions on the forum. I also refrain from seeking answers because I'd prefer my personal life isn't scrutinised by other people, even though I know they're there to help or because I'm wondering if my ex partner is reading them or many other reasons. I'm sure its the same for other dads too.

I'm suggesting this because I think a comprehensive guide, structured in a logical format, written in layman's terms and simple english, would be something that parents can refer to throughout the process but more importantly to give them a better understanding of what to expect in the future when the whole thing starts. I've hit many situations throughout the court process where I've suddenly discovered something that I had no idea about. It would be an alternative way of helping people and I hope a great resource for the increasing number of people who are representing themselves. It could be downloaded by people in pdf format, have an index and links to jump to relevant sections.

I used this for a basic grasp of things http://www.nofamilylawyer.co.uk/

And then the Legal Eagle Forum here for specifics and questions. Everything worked well for me when I listened to the advice from this place!