Litigants in Person

Family Law Solicitors

We recently discussed as a Family Law Team why the number of our cases proceeding to Court had increased. We have always prided ourselves on the fact that only a maximum of 5% of our cases ever reached Court. The difficulty with Court is that it can become very expensive, it can take quite some time to schedule a Court hearing and time spent in Court can be very stressful.

It transpired that the reason we end up in Court more often than previously is due to Litigants in Person. This is someone who does not use a solicitor (representing themselves) and instead determines that a matter should be rushed into Court as soon as possible. Sometimes, this is to teach their spouse a lesson; other times, it can be down to the fact that they cannot afford a lawyer and they do not appreciate they could negotiate a deal instead.

Unfortunately, the outcome is often a matter ending up in Court when it could have easily been negotiated, either by way of correspondence or if this falls by way of Round Table Meetings and/or the use of a Mediator.

Protracted Court proceedings are incredibly stressful for both parties. Especially in relation to children who may be well aware that their parents are in Court fighting about them.

Mediation or Round Table Meetings involving lawyers can often give you a chance to get things off your chest, especially if your partner has left you for someone else and has done this suddenly. If you can avoid Court, you can often negotiate Arrangements for Children or a Financial Settlement in a far more amicable way.

Sometimes, it is far better to instruct a solicitor to act on your behalf at the beginning of your case. Using their knowledge can, in fact, often result in a better outcome much sooner, removing so much stress from your life and that of your children.

The trouble with representing yourself in your case is that you are emotionally involved. You may, therefore, carry this emotion into the proceedings, which can affect the way that you handle matters. By instructing a solicitor, they can take the emotion out of the situation, coming up with practical solutions that work for everyone.

Contact our Family Law Team today:

Family Law Solicitors Newcastle:  0191 284 6989

Family Law Solicitors Sunderland: 0191 567 6667

Email us: enquiries@emmersons-solicitors.co.uk

Complete our Online Enquiry Form

You can also park opposite our Sunderland Office on John Street.