Divorce itself can be straightforward. Resolving the finances often isn’t. Recently I spoke to someone who had represented herself during financial proceedings in the family court. Looking back, she told me the same thing several times during our conversation: “I wish I’d had a solicitor.”
Unfortunately, by the time she contacted me, the court proceedings had already concluded and there was very little that could be done.
Representing Herself in Court
The woman had gone through financial remedy proceedings following her divorce as a litigant in person, meaning she represented herself without a solicitor or barrister. Her former husband, however, had legal representation throughout the case.
A final hearing took place in early summer 2025, after which the court made a financial order. One of the key terms of that order was that the family home should be sold, with the proceeds divided between the parties.
However, she told me she found the entire court process overwhelming.
Financial proceedings in divorce cases involve strict rules, court procedures and numerous deadlines. Without legal guidance, she struggled to keep on top of what was required.
She explained that during the proceedings she had:
- missed some filing deadlines
- struggled to prepare her witness statement
- been unsure how best to present her evidence
- not had a barrister to assist with cross-examining her former husband’s evidence
- missed deadlines for documents to be included in the bundle for the final hearing
Because of this, some of the documentation she wanted the court to consider could not be included in the hearing bundle. As a result, she felt she was already on the back foot when the final hearing took place.
At the time, she was also experiencing difficulties with her mental health, which made the already stressful process even harder to manage alone.
Regret After the Final Order
Following the hearing, the court ordered that the family home should be sold and the proceeds divided. However, she now feels the settlement does not leave her in a position where she can adequately rehouse herself and the children. Because of this, the property has not yet been sold.
Her former husband has since applied to the court to enforce the order, and further proceedings have been listed. The court may also consider whether a costs order should be made due to the delay in complying with the order.
When she contacted me, she hoped the upcoming hearing might provide an opportunity to revisit the outcome of the financial proceedings and explain why she felt the division was unfair. Unfortunately, that is not how the process works.
The hearing had been listed to enforce the order already made by the court. The deadline to appeal the original decision had passed some time ago, meaning the court was very unlikely to reconsider the financial settlement.
At this stage, the only realistic option available was to explore whether the court might allow a short extension of time to sell the property, giving her more time to try to secure suitable housing arrangements.
Evidence the Court Never Saw
During our conversation, she explained that her circumstances had changed significantly since the final hearing. She had stopped working due to health issues. She felt that these health problems were already affecting her ability to work at the time of the final hearing, but she did not present this evidence effectively or provide the documentation needed for the court to consider it fully.
Without clear evidence and proper presentation of her position, the court did not have the full picture when making its decision. She believes that if her circumstances had been properly explained and supported by evidence, the outcome might have been different.
The Reality of Managing Court Proceedings Alone
Representing yourself in court can seem like a way to save costs. However, financial remedy proceedings can be complex and demanding.
Solicitors help clients navigate this process by:
- ensuring court deadlines are met
- preparing statements and evidence clearly
- making sure documents are properly included in court bundles
- advising on how to present evidence and respond to questions in court
- instructing barristers where appropriate
Perhaps just as importantly, they take on much of the administrative and procedural pressure, allowing clients to focus on the bigger picture rather than trying to manage the legal process alone.
A Difficult Lesson
Financial orders made by the court are intended to bring finality to financial matters following divorce. Once they are made, it can be extremely difficult to change them.
The woman I spoke to now faces the stress of enforcement proceedings and the possibility of further costs being incurred.
Her experience is a reminder that while representing yourself may sometimes feel like the simplest option, financial proceedings in divorce can have long-term consequences.
As she told me more than once during our conversation:
“I just wish I’d had a solicitor from the start.”
