Representing the Unrepresented Litigant

His Honour Judge John Mitchell. In Re G (Litigants in Person) [2003] EWCA Civ 1055, [2003] 2 FLR 963 Thorpe LJ noted it was universally recognised" that there has been a significant increase in the proportion of family cases with unrepresented litigants. Recent research highlights difficulties experienced by unrepresented litigants and guidance from the Court of Appeal and changes in the rules governing disclosure of information to third parties provide them with some assistance. In an earlier article, "Financial Relief: The Future for Litigants in Person" [2004] Fam Law 30, the author considered ways in which the practice and procedure of the courts could be changed to help unrepresented litigants. But to what extent can and should courts allow them help at court from those who do not hold a right of audience? See January [2007] Fam Law for the full article.

Read the full article here.