To an individual not formally trained in family law, it can seem a complex and convoluted subject, whose twists and turns seem to be more based upon whim than legislation.
If you find yourself in circumstances whereby you have a case to be heard in a family court, chances are that you are already facing stressful and nerve-wracking circumstances in your life; and for the greatest chances of success for your case, what is needed is a cool head and a calm demeanour. Faced with losing your children, your home, your livelihood or anything else that you feel strongly about, this may be easier said than done. For this reason, you should look at the idea of legal representation and securing for yourself the services of a family court solicitor.
What Can You Expect a Family Court Solicitor to Do for You?
Firstly, having instructed your solicitor of choice, they will be able to give you sound advice. As the law is a complex subject with its own specializations, it is recommended that you seek out a solicitor who has specialized in family law. No matter if your hearing is to address spousal abuse, matters of legitimacy, adoption, surrogacy, child abuse, child abduction, the taking of your children into care, divorce, annulment, property settlements, maintenance, contact or parental responsibility; they will have the knowledge and experience necessary to advise you in how best to handle the circumstances in which you find yourself.
Secondly, they will be able to represent you in the actual court hearing itself. Family matters are dealt with in the Family Division of the High Court, by district judges in County Courts and in Family Proceedings Courts, which are specialist Magistrates’ Courts. Your family court solicitor will be able represent you no matter where your case is being heard. Whether you are the applicant – the person bringing the case to court – or the respondent – the person defending a case – your solicitor will speak for you. If you are the applicant, your solicitor will make your opening statement concerning the case and why it is being brought to the court. If you are the respondent, your solicitor will answer the opening statement on your behalf, explaining why you oppose the application to the court. Should the judge or the magistrates have any questions at this point for clarification, your lawyer will be able to answer for you. Your solicitor will also bring forth evidence to support your case and call witnesses on your behalf.
Though your family court solicitor will do most of your talking for you, when you do speak, always take care to treat court staff, lawyers and the tribunal hearing the case with respect. Remember that a calm, polite, controlled demeanour cannot but help your case and command more respect than an impassioned outburst.
The above is but a brief summary; but hopefully will have given you some guidelines to the benefits of instructing a family court solicitor.
Ed Ward has been putting pen to paper – or more pertinently, fingertip to keyboard – for much of his adult life. He believes that, like a dog, the English language needs to be taken out and exercised regularly, which he attempts to achieve through his various internet offerings.
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