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Hi guys im new here. Im 6months into my battle to get access to my daughter who i havent seen for a year, she is now 18months old. So far i have represented myself and im upto the finding of fact stage of proceedings.
As like every hearing ive attended i have been a bag of nerves beforehand, stressed and feeling completely out of my depth.
Has anyone on here has been through this stage and self represented? If so would you recommend hiring some legal muscle to assist at this stage? The fact find seems quite intense so im extra stressed this time around.
My ex was told at the previous hearing to prepare and send me a scott schedule by this time last month. As of yet i still havent received a scott schedule, apparently my ex is changing solicitors, would this be frowned upon by the court if she doesnt provide me with a scott schedule?
Thanks guys i foresee your help and support being invaluable in the coming weeks
As you've self represented so far, I would say you are better off with a McKenzie's friend than a solicitor - it will be miuch cheaper for you and they can help you prepare so that you have everything in order, and thay will help you to be much less stressed.
Hi There,
.
I agree with actd, I wouldn't look at solicitors at this point, you have gone so far on your own, so I would either carry on that way or as suggested look into a McKenzie friend who would be able to help you prepair for the hearing and also attend in the court room with you, they aren't able to speak on your behalf, but they are able to take notes and give you pointers throughout which should help settle your nerves.
.
GTTS
Hi there
It can be daunting and if you feel you really can't cope you can have a look for a direct access barrister, but they don't come cheap. If you have a good MCKenzie Friend they can support you in court, but they can't speak for you. MFs are an unregulated body so you must be careful when it comes to finding one,
If this is something you might be interested in you can PM either myself or Yoda and we may be able to recommend a good one.
As far as the scott schedule is concerned, give the court a call and inform them that you haven't received it and it is now seriously overdue and you are concerned as a litigant in person, that you won't have time to get the proper response in on time. You could put your concerns in writing directly to the judge that made the order, it may have more impact than talking to someone in the court office. If you do that, make sure you include your case number and address it to the judge personally.
There should be firmer penalties for late filing of ordered documents, but it's often overlooked and allowed to slide....the court can refuse to file late documents, which means that the party then can't rely on the contents as part of their case, which in your case would mean that her allegations can't be considered.
Best of luck
Here's an article about late filing of evidence that you may find interesting.
http://thecustodyminefield.com/lying-in-court-and-penalties-for-late-filing-of-evidence/
Hi Chris
I've sent you a PM
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