Robert2020
Registered User
- Messages
- 5
Hi,
Unfortunately my wife and I are in a judicial separation court process in the family courts.
I had a private solicitor, but discharged them as I could no longer afford the very high fees as have been unemployment now over 6 months.
I have now qualified for legal aid, but there is quite a long waiting list for a solicitor /barrister.
My wife, the applicant, is insisting the case is moved along, as there have been a number of postponements already.
However, the legal aid board are telling me it could take a number of months more to get me a solicitor.
The main question I have is as follows; Is there a constitutional right to representation in the family law courts?
Could the Judge “force” me to become a lay litigant, rather than give me more postponements until I’ve legal aid representation?
This seems to be what my wife’s solicitor is pushing for and the Judge the last time seemed frustrated with the legal aid delay, yet it is out of my control.
I don’t feel capable or confident to represent myself in Court.
I am also hoping that my wife sees the sense of mediation as a more efficient process for a swifter cost effective solution in the meantime.
Thanks
Robert
Unfortunately my wife and I are in a judicial separation court process in the family courts.
I had a private solicitor, but discharged them as I could no longer afford the very high fees as have been unemployment now over 6 months.
I have now qualified for legal aid, but there is quite a long waiting list for a solicitor /barrister.
My wife, the applicant, is insisting the case is moved along, as there have been a number of postponements already.
However, the legal aid board are telling me it could take a number of months more to get me a solicitor.
The main question I have is as follows; Is there a constitutional right to representation in the family law courts?
Could the Judge “force” me to become a lay litigant, rather than give me more postponements until I’ve legal aid representation?
This seems to be what my wife’s solicitor is pushing for and the Judge the last time seemed frustrated with the legal aid delay, yet it is out of my control.
I don’t feel capable or confident to represent myself in Court.
I am also hoping that my wife sees the sense of mediation as a more efficient process for a swifter cost effective solution in the meantime.
Thanks
Robert