What are your opinions on this service? Some of their team give lots of advice detailing what I should do/say while others do/say very little. Is their advice qualified in the way that a solicitors would be?
For example I was told that I should change the door locks after the 2nd court hearing, will this harm my case?
Can I limit access to my our home for anyone other than my wife? My neighbours tell me that my wife arrives with another woman (who comes in her own car) to remove items from the house while I'm seeing our daughter.
An occupation order would read:
The respondent shall not enter, be within 100meters near the property or solicit anyone else to do so.
Breaching a NMO or Occupation order is an arrestable offence.
Although solicitors or free legal advice can be helpful, it’s still beneficial to know how family court works. Solicitors won’t do all the thinking for you, speculate or lead you as a client as that is unethical and can get them into trouble. Similarly speaking to a financial advisor you will be presented with products but won’t receive speculations about what the economy and housing market will be like in 12 months.
Support through court is simply that and the volunteers may or may not be legally qualified. Its not clear what is going on at the moment - what are the hearings about? If your wife is entitled to come to the house then it won't be a good idea to change the locks. If you have an Occupation Order preventing her from coming, then do change the locks. You could ask your wife about this other woman and whether they enter the house. Have you noticed anything going missing? You could install a Ring doorbell so you can see whats going on when you're not there.
My wife has said if I contact her then she will make a claim of harassment to the police. My wife is taking some of her property but has also taken all of our photographs. My worry is that she will take items that I have bought, and have had from before we met.
Is an occupation order likely to be granted? On what grounds would I apply for one?
Can I ask if you are a solicitor/barrister?
No, I'm not a solicitor/barrister but I did volunteer for Support through Court before Covid. Have you made an application to the court, if so what for? There are some useful guides on the advicenow.org.uk website but I'm not sure what your situation is. It sounds as though you have separated but not agreed on the division of assets. Perhaps you could leave some of your personal possessions elsewhere for the time being?
If you believe that you have or are victim or abuse + have some evidence, apply for a Non Molestation order and Occupation order. Both are free and you a hearing would be listed within 14-20 days.
Until then, don’t engage in any debates or arguments with your ex.