Man uses free legal services to get access to son

A man who used free legal services in a court battle to see his son has described the importance of legal aid.

Stuart Johnson wrote for the Guardian that his ex-wife would not allow him access to his son, Jim, after the couple parted ways in 2007, despite a decree nisi ruling that she should do.

He was told that he was not eligible for free legal advice in a subsequent court battle, as his small amount of savings pushed him over the limit for receiving this help.

Mr Johnson described the process of representing himself in court as "horrible, intimidating, embarrassing and humiliating".

He said that he was unsure of how to behave in the court room, was unaware of the evidence required and was clueless as to how to talk to the judge presiding over the case.

However, he pointed out that when he was found to be eligible for legal aid and hired a solicitor the situation changed for the better and he was granted access to see his son.
"I've got no doubt at all that, without legal representation, I would still not be able to see him and my case would still be getting nowhere," he added.

In addition, Rupert Myers, a barrister, wrote for the Guardian that people would be wise not to represent themselves in court as it could produce "shambolic" consequences.

Published by Phil Hammond