Study session on representing yourself in court

Following recent changes allowing lay representatives in Sheriff Courts, FNF Scotland is holding an event to consider the issues facing parents who represent themselves in court and to contribute to updating our guide to representing yourself in the Scottish Family Courts.

This session is at the Old Sheriff Courton Thursday 5th September from 13.30 to 16.30, bookings are free to FNFS members and £20 for non-members.

This event is intended to help people who are currently representing themselves in family actions in the Scottish courts or who are considering conducting a case on that basis.  The afternoon will cover key aspects such as preparing a writ, the different types of hearing, use of witnesses, cross examination and overall case preparation.

Although we cannot cram a law degree into an afternoon, the intention is that attendees will learn and share experience, and also make contact with others who are going through the same process.

Recent changes in the rules in Sheriff Courts have made it possible for people representing themself to have a Lay Representative (someone to speak on their behalf and help them present their case).  Families Need Fathers Scotland has helped in various family court cases over the past few years and we recently conducted a Proof Hearing on behalf of an unrepresented father.

Contributors include Emlyn Jones, who has extensive experience experience acting as a McKenzie Friend in the English courts, Billy Finlayson, a lawyer with long-standing experience of family cases and who provides assistance to FNF Glasgow members, and other FNF members who have experience in the Sheriff Court and Court of Session.