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Hi - my first hearing is on 8.1.13 and I wanted to know about how easy or difficult it is to represent myself? I have done my position statement and have a McKenzie friend I could use but for cost reasons I would prefer to do it myself if I can. I have a 3 year old son that I haven't seen for 3 months. My hearing is in a magistrates court - do I get challenged and questioned by a solicitor? I've no experience of court so need some advise please
Hi There,
Representing yourself in court isn't as hard as it seems, your head will build it up into a much more than it needs to be.
Have a read through Yoji's guide to representing yourself through court, and also my account of going through court so you know what to expect.
Yoji's guide is in the legal section
http://www.dad.info/dad-talk-forum/legal-eagle/10255-guide-to-representing-yourself-in-court
and my post is in the fathering children section
http://www.dad.info/dad-talk-forum/fathering-children/18882-court-proccess-from-experience
Hi my son has just had his first hearing, he went by himself, well i was there just for support, but not allowed in the court room. all that happened was the cafcass lady went between them both and everything we suggested the mum said no, so when they went into the court room they said they you need to go to mediation and it was adjourned for 10 weeks. But my son does see his child but is going for overnight stays, so slighty different if you arent seeing your child
Representing yourself is very daunting but as has been done before by many dads is not impossible.
Don't be intimidated by the other solicitor and remember you are not expected to be an expert of the law so if you make a mistake the judge will tell you.
Good luck with it
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