Final Hearing - what exactly happens?

Hi,

I wonder if anyone can explain to me what actually happens at a FH?

The story so far .... have been separated since Oct 2004, Decree Nisi a year ago. Being dragged thru courts by x on legal aid. My bills rapidly approaching £20k. Offered what judge thought was reasonable at FDR(even though it was more than I could afford)- rejected. Now facing 2 day FH.

Am deeply alarmed by costs and concerned by sols attitude - seems to be doing a lot of covering of his back ... and is not at all robust about my case. Case is further complicated by the fact that x's sol is arguing the toss about everything and failing to come up with paperwork ... and when it does arrive it seems to contradict their case - which in any case is far from clear. They are asking for things but with no solid evidence as to why they are needed/fair - especially when I have 3 kids to consider.

I was prepared not to get involved in detailed arguments about everything - feels a bit like one of those post dinner "who had the prawns?" debates - but feel I am in danger of losing out because my sol does not seem to "get" that we are being lied to and that x's bank statements show a continuation of spending patterns that have dogged his entire life (currently several thousand in debt).He is also housed and (having developed a disability) has all his care needs met by benefits. He will also shortly be in receipt of a pretty large pension.

Anyhow this is a very longwinded (sorry) way of saying, what do I have to think about pre FH? Will I have to gather evidence - and if so what sort of thing should I be looking at? Can witnesses be called apart from me and him? Will his side see my evidence before the hearing?

I hope the judge will, when the evidence - as opposed to rhetoric - is examined realise that I have been telling the truth all along and he - like in another recent divorce is "a less than candid witness".

Any thoughts/advice/personal experience gratefully received.

Hadenoughnow

Hi,

I had a good outcome at my own self repped final hearing.

See my tips in a previous forum response...

www.wikivorce.com/divorce/Divorce-Forum/...-to-expect.html#2670