Litigants in Person
Many litigants now prefer to deal with their own case because:
- The legal process has been made more user friendly and simplified
- Information is available through the internet
This is a sign of right to justice being more accessible to the public and a positive development.
However, it is also a well known fact that some people find the process daunting and complex, need guidance at the more advanced stages or run out of steam.
For others, representing themselves is less to do with preference and more to do with lack of affordability.
At Dawoods, we are willing to provide our services:
- at “one-off” consultations when you merely require our help and guidance using our hourly rates. These could include assisting you with completing documents and court forms
- on a fixed fee basis for all or part of a case, if possible.
- with you undertaking some of the drafting and preparation yourself to keep your costs to a minimum whilst spreading payments over affordable monthly instalments.
OR
- through full representation if at any stage in the process you decide that you simply cannot take the risk of being unrepresented or find the process too stressful.
Your Initial Consultation and Legal Fees
We are able to offer you a free half hour initial consultation. This will be with Kumari Dawood. Alternatively, if your matter is complex, you can have a longer initial consultation to obtain more in depth advice at a fixed fee.
At the very outset and at various relevant stages of our involvement in your case, Kumari Dawood will advise you on the likely costs and how they can be kept to a minimum.
How do I pay my legal fees?
If you are worried about how you can pay your legal fees, possible options for funding will be discussed with you.
- Affordable monthly instalments - We are able to agree this with you depending on your income and outgoings
- Borrowing – sometimes, family or friends may be willing to help. Alternatively, you may be able to obtain a commercial loan.
- Legal costs allocation by the other party - It may be possible to arrange an allowance towards legal fees from the other party if you are financially dependent on them usually.
- Lending in litigation - There are specialist lenders who will advance money to pay your legal fees provided you meet their criteria.
- Solicitor & client agreement - This is possible through an agreement that provides a suitable sum from the client’s final divorce settlement to meet the solicitor’s fees. This ensures the solicitor is paid for the advice, guidance and representation you receive and all work done in the case on your behalf.
We do not undertake legal aid work.