Representing myself

I need some help please. I’ve got a deadline of 19th September to complete form E. My solicitors costs are unmanageable and I’m thinking of going it alone. My ex is on the missing list and the court is satisfied that I have made every effort to find him. My question is:

Can I ask for an extension on the form E from the court while I ‘take over’
- there are some documents pending that will take 6 weeks to deliver.
And what should I watch out for?
Thank you

Welcome to wikivorce.

When you say your ex is on the missing list, what do you mean? If they cannot be found and are not represented, then Firm E cannot be exchanged. You should still file with the court though.

In practice deadlines in family law are a bit fluid. We have heard plenty of stories of people handing over their Form E on the way into the first hearing and not being penalised.

I would say that a few days after the deadline would be fine. If you want to delay beyond that, you may need to consider an adjournment. Remember you can always submit the Form and say documents are "to follow". An updated Form can be put in closer to the hearing.

You will need to inform the court that you are representing yourself and ensure they have an address to send communications to.

You will need to retrieve your file from the solicitor. They will normally want their bill fully paid first.

If you need help at any point, you can always ask on here or call the helpline.
We do also have some cost effective services to support litigants in person.

Hadenoughnow

Thank you!