Self ref and unbundled service

Hi,

Would it be advisable to self represent for financial settlement proceedings?

Also, has anyone used unbundled service before and are they advisable in financial relief?

Thanks

It's certainly possible.

I work in the law and can see many benefits of using a lawyer but equally it's not for everyone and can be financially illogical if there's not much in the way of assets.

If both parties are able to ascertain what is a reasonable settlement, that is half of the battle. It is common for people to think they know what is fair only to discover that, in the eyes of the law, it is not. It's difficult to backtrack so it's important to get a firm idea at the outset.

Disclosure of financial information is important as it is only possible to gauge what is fair when each party knows what the other party's financial position is as well as their own.

Getting the form E financial statement right is very important as is asking the right questions of the other party's Form E. If you don't ask the questions at the right time it is unlikely that you will get another chance.

Unbundled services are great when used correctly e.g. (1) preparing form E, (2) considering other side's Form E, preparing questionnaire and advising on a reasonable settlement, (3) Instructing a barrister to represent you at FDR (particularly so if this is by video/telephone).

A lot will depend upon how able you feel coping with things yourself. Court hearings are less common so the stress is reduced and the rest is fairly administrative.

Charles