An event to help demystify and explain family court proceedings for people unable to afford legal representation will be hosted by Kent Law Clinic on Wednesday 1 November.

‘Demystifying the Family Court’ aims to give anyone expecting to be a litigant in person a better understanding of how the family court works. It will also help to explain what is likely to happen at a family hearing. It will be held in a replica court room (pictured) in the Wigoder Law Building on Kent’s Canterbury campus.

The Clinic’s Family Law Solicitor Philippa Bruce has enlisted the help of a local district judge and barrister to offer general advice on how the court works. The panel will also include a member of the public who has personal experience of both children and family proceedings.

Although it won’t be possible to offer individual legal advice on specific cases, the event aims to address a broad spectrum of questions ranging from when to arrive at court and where to sit, to how to prepare, organise and present a case in the family court.

Philippa said: ‘Representing yourself in family court proceedings can be very stressful and the court itself can feel like an intimidating place if you are unsure what to expect. Our aim is to take away the mystery and enable people who are representing themselves to feel more confident and capable of putting forward their case in court.’

Taking place from 18.00 to 19.30, the event is open to all.

People in the local community seeking advice on specific cases can book an appointment to attend a Monday evening Clinic Advice Session staffed by volunteer legal advisors. Please contact the Law Clinic on 01227 823311 to find out more or to book an appointment.