O/T: Self Representation in a contact case

[Wayne]

Hi,

Has anyone tried to act for themselves in court as an NRP? If so would you
do it again and did it work. I found some sites on the subject but the
gingerbread site recomends never doing it yourself, unfortunately my
financial situation means put up with 4 hours contact with my 7 year old per
week (not being allowed to see my parents or my new partner) or represent
myself. My own solicitors work so far on my divorce and financial settlement
has been piss poor, I feel I would have been better on my own anyway.

All help appreciated

Thanks

Wayne

[glow]

Post by Wayne
Hi,
Has anyone tried to act for themselves in court as an NRP? If so would you
do it again and did it work. I found some sites on the subject but the
gingerbread site recomends never doing it yourself, unfortunately my
financial situation means put up with 4 hours contact with my 7 year old per
week (not being allowed to see my parents or my new partner) or represent
myself. My own solicitors work so far on my divorce and financial settlement
has been piss poor, I feel I would have been better on my own anyway.
All help appreciated
Thanks
Wayne

Pity about my advice is I am in another country so i cant tell you how it
would apply in your country. we made the mistake once of getting a lawyer
never again. we have gained the respect of the court by representing
ourselves. But if you do you must work on it you spend every spare moment
you have researching your reasons and going over cases and seeing what does
and does not work. You are going to have to teach yourself the law cos they
won't teach you . The courts have very little patients for men walking in
without a lawyer who have no idea what they are doing standing there (I have
seen men turn up at court in thongs stubbie shorts and singlet and expect
respect from the court.) The magistrate usually tells them to go away and
come back with a lawyer.
however if you can find out what the procedures are in court ( we knew
because my husband and myself had worked both in the family court and the
supreme court as custodial and security.) You need to learn how to address
the magistrate or judge whichever they may be and how to fill your forms out
which more often than not are actually more straight forward than anything
you will receive from childsupport read all information provided by the
court and even if they can't give advice ask anyway worst they can do is say
no I can't tell you. One thing I found useful, maybe, almost are free law
information nights at the town council. They were nights where free legal
advice was given by law students. BUT remember they are students and its
free you get what you pay for. I used them simply to double check any forms
I had filled out etc. and double check that the action taken was actually
legal. Call the local Law society and they can probably tell you if their
are any such sessions in your area.

[Nacsa Chair]

Yes - both personally and have helped others. Our own case was dealt with
much quicker, and less hassle when we represented ourselves. However if you
do so, ensure that you have full support of an organisation such as FNF, or
Associated Shared Parenting....they specialise in such issues and can help
you with probably any query you may come across.

Email me privately if you wish to discuss anything, or if you want any help
with regards to statements etc. ***@nacsa.co.uk
NACSA CHAIR--
WHEN CSA GET IT WRONG...NACSA PUT IT RIGHT!!! www.nacsa.co.uk 0870 240 3343
Disclaimer: the content of this email is based upon information supplied and
is subject to errors and omissions.

Post by Wayne

Post by Wayne
Hi,
Has anyone tried to act for themselves in court as an NRP? If so would you
do it again and did it work. I found some sites on the subject but the
gingerbread site recomends never doing it yourself, unfortunately my
financial situation means put up with 4 hours contact with my 7 year old

per

Post by Wayne
week (not being allowed to see my parents or my new partner) or represent
myself. My own solicitors work so far on my divorce and financial

settlement

Post by Wayne
has been piss poor, I feel I would have been better on my own anyway.
All help appreciated
Thanks
Wayne

Pity about my advice is I am in another country so i cant tell you how it
would apply in your country. we made the mistake once of getting a lawyer
never again. we have gained the respect of the court by representing
ourselves. But if you do you must work on it you spend every spare moment
you have researching your reasons and going over cases and seeing what does
and does not work. You are going to have to teach yourself the law cos they
won't teach you . The courts have very little patients for men walking in
without a lawyer who have no idea what they are doing standing there (I have
seen men turn up at court in thongs stubbie shorts and singlet and expect
respect from the court.) The magistrate usually tells them to go away and
come back with a lawyer.
however if you can find out what the procedures are in court ( we knew
because my husband and myself had worked both in the family court and the
supreme court as custodial and security.) You need to learn how to address
the magistrate or judge whichever they may be and how to fill your forms out
which more often than not are actually more straight forward than anything
you will receive from childsupport read all information provided by the
court and even if they can't give advice ask anyway worst they can do is say
no I can't tell you. One thing I found useful, maybe, almost are free law
information nights at the town council. They were nights where free legal
advice was given by law students. BUT remember they are students and its
free you get what you pay for. I used them simply to double check any forms
I had filled out etc. and double check that the action taken was actually
legal. Call the local Law society and they can probably tell you if their
are any such sessions in your area.