A local firm of solicitors is warning parents across the region of the implications of not obtaining legal representation when undergoing family court proceedings.
Shropshire-based PCB Solicitors is urging local residents to gain expert legal advice during child custody cases to ensure they’re not putting themselves at risk of an unfair hearing and in the worst circumstances – a miscarriage of justice.
Nikki Pickering, Chartered Legal Executive at PCB Solicitors, explained: “A lack of public funding has seen more people represent themselves than ever before, but it’s so important to obtain legal representation and expert guidance during family court cases to ensure a fair hearing. Individuals that do defend themselves are not only putting themselves at a distinct disadvantage but placing an enormous burden on the court, delaying the entire process and often incurring further costs.
“The absence of pre-proceedings advice has also led to many unnecessary cases going to court which previously could’ve been resolved through mediation, and in contrast important cases not even reaching court. The legal system is extremely complex and navigating it without appropriate legal advice can damage all parties involved. Not only could the failure to obtain the right advice deny the right to a fair trial and prevent decision makers from making informed verdicts, but it could cause delays, escalations in conflict, and in the worse situations, miscarriages of justice.
“I’d urge anyone currently preparing for family court proceedings who may have found themselves without representation to get in touch, as a professional can not only offer timely advice but also support with all the relevant paperwork which can be complex in itself. It’s paramount to obtain the support of a solicitor to ensure a fair hearing, no matter how small the case may seem, and it really could be the difference between gaining the outcome you want and an outcome which could be derivative. For more information please get in touch either via email nikki.pickering@pcblaw.co.uk or by calling 01743 237125,” Nikki concluded.
