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Good evening
In my current situation it is looking highly likely that I will have to proceed to the courts in order to get access to my children.
My ex has avoided me since March, denying access to my children. I've only had contact with her briefly via text and email, then on through our solicitors.
As you are all aware, the cost of having a solicitor represent you is very costly with a minimum of around £6 to £7 K required- as I've been quoted. I would find it difficult to pay that, not just because it's a lot of money but because it's a [censored] of a lot of money to pay to someone to get access to my children when it should be a basic right.
When I first took up legal advice back in July, self litigation was mentioned to me and I was told this way has become more popular. The thought of having no solicitor does seem daunting to some extent, but so does paying £200 per hour!
Obviously costs are irrelevant when it comes to our children, although I can think of other things I'd rather spend that sort of money on! Forking that out would put me back a couple of years and I would find that very demoralising.
Anyway- I just wondered if there is anyone who has had the experience of self litigation? It would be good to get some thoughts from anyone?
I have my first mediation appointment on Wednesday in which I attend on my own- my exes solicitor has already said she does not agree to contact and will not attend mediation.
She has made some allegations against me which are untrue - domestic violence mainly.
Social services did assess and investigate me and did stop me seeing the children in the process, but did close the case. The assessor did say she didn't feel there was any reason why I should not see my children but it was out of her hands.
During this assessment that went on a a short time, my ex has chained that she had been involved in 4 incidents of DV that were reported to the police. The social worker checked this but the police had no record- as it wasn't true. She'd also made a claim that she believed I was armed with a rifle? I was spoken to by the social services but I just told them I didn't understand why I'd been asked? Surly some of this could stand against her? And one vital point. - when she was interviewed during the assessment she stated ' he was never physical towards me' ? Then it came back in the report she had said otherwise to someone at another point
I'm just a bit worried about having to defend myself on my own without the understanding of the legal system. Plus mentally it's difficult when I'm having false allegations laid against me.
Hi There,
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Self representing isn't as difficult as you would think, many of us have done it and come out the other end with good out comes.
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I think with the added issues you have though, unless you are very confident you would be better to have someone with you, that doesn't need to be a solicitor though, you also have the option of a McKenzie friend, which if chosen well, would be cheaper than a solicitor, they wouldn't be able to speak for you in court, but they are able to help you prep for court and give you advice during the hearings.
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If this is something you would like to consider, a few of our members may have some contacts of good McKenzie friends that they may be able to share with you depending on where you live.
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GTTS
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