Last updated on December 8th, 2021 at 01:34 pm

Effects of representing yourself in court

The report, Standing alone: Going to the family court without a lawyer highlights the following:

• A larger proportion of people represent themselves (known as litigants in person) because they feel they have no other option.
• 7 in 10 people report that, without being able to afford a lawyer, they might think twice about taking a case to court (therefore leaving the problem unresolved).
• The majority of those who do represent themselves find that any positives of self-representation are outweighed by the stress, responsibility and loneliness of going to court without representation.
• Those representing themselves can achieve worse outcomes compared with their represented counterparts.
• 9 in 10 people with experience of going through court as a litigant in person said it affected at least one other aspect of their life, such as mental and physical health, working life, finances and relationships.
• From the research conducted, many self-representing people had little or no ability to fight their case.

Going to court is stressful, and it is likely to be one of the most emotionally draining processes that you could encounter; but that shouldn’t put you off resolving disputes as the alternative is leaving an  issue unresolved, which can’t be beneficial to either party.

The court system can be daunting for a litigant in person, as, historically it has been a world for judges, solicitors and barristers alone –  all of whom have legal qualifications and knowledge and experience of the system.

Representing yourself in court may not be the most cost effective route

Bradie Pell, family law solicitor

Many believe, without investigation, that they can’t afford a solicitor to help them with their court case;  but this isn’t always true.   Grayson’s family department offers a fixed-fee first consultation, which lasts one hour, in which we can discuss the likely cost of your case and varied payment options, including fixed fees in certain areas.   There are also still some situations in which  legal aid can be obtained and we are happy to conduct a legal aid assessment.

So, please don’t automatically think that you have no other option but to represent yourself in court.  It might not be the case,  and, as the CAB’s report highlights, the personal cost of self-representation can far outweigh the financial cost.

Contact us now to arrange a meeting.  Our experts have vast experience of dealing with all types of family matters and can help you to to find the best possible solution for your issues.

Bradie Pell, family law solicitor