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Self-represented Litigants ~ A Challenge: PROJECT REPORT
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If people could get pamphlets before the information session this would
assist a question and answer format. Inside the courtroom, people will
forget everything. Should take people through a courtroom to prepare for
the day itself.
Information to come with service documents – what to do and where to go
to get help.
5.2 Advice
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Some emphasis on family/relationship support would be valuable as well
as legal support. It would be difficult for the FCoA to provide all this. Men
feel the loss of the relationship strongly – painful practice of dividing
everything up.
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Support for promotion and duplication of Ray Lenton’s peer support
program. "Solicitors don’t get to know their clients like Ray’s people do".
Groups such as ‘Dads Against Discrimination’ were seen as too radical for
them.
An invitation was offered to observe one of Ray’s workshops.
Some men’s groups have agendas which are not helpful. Presented as an
advisory service which it wasn’t.
Can get help from others who have been through the system, from
conversations with lawyers. Has been poor advice from a CLC – not all are
giving a good service.
Would prefer to spend money on the children than on lawyers.
Value in mentoring and peer support both at entry to the system and exit.
Advice on alternatives to going to court – need to manage the different
stages the parties will be at. People aren’t always sensible when they are
emotional.
Should be free legal advice to dole recipients or those on low income.
Suggest someone with a paralegal background could be included in an
initial counselling session.
Advice received also from local pro bono service, since closed. It did help
him get papers through Court. Good response from Deputy Registrar
during interim application for residence and contact.
There is high need for community legal advice services.
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