Harrogate
Harrogate is a town in North Yorkshire, east of the Yorkshire Dales National Park (DL8 3EL). Its heritage as a fashionable spa resort continues in the Montpellier Quarter with the Royal Pump Room Museum, documenting the importance of local mineral springs (HG1 2RY). Nearby is the restored, Moorish-style Turkish Baths & Health Spa (HG1 2WH).
More things to see in Harrogate
The Valley Gardens – has beautiful flower displays and Art Deco. There are fun outdoor activities for families to do such as playing tennis, crazy golf, and a kid’s play area. Valley Dr, Harrogate HG1 2SZ.
Harrogate Climbing Centre – has 66 climbing lines as well as boldering rooms. There is a rock shop where you can purchase souvenirs and a cafe which serves delicious treats. Hornbeam Park Ave, Hornbeam Park, Harrogate HG2 8QT
Bettys Café Tea Rooms – famous for their traditional afternoon tea and has been around since 1919. 1 Parliament St, Harrogate HG1 2QU
If you are looking for a family law firm in the Harrogate area, this firm features in The Hug Directory
Find Lucy Phipps and the Family Law Team at Harrowells feature in The Hug Directory
Sometimes a collaborative approach is appropriate. In other cases, fighting your corner robustly is what is required to protect your position and avoid other parties deliberately frustrating progress towards the right outcome for you.
Offices in York city centre at 1 St Saviourgate, York, YO1 8ZQ and Clifton Moor, Haxby, Easingwold, Thirsk, Malton and Pocklington
Family Lawyers & Family Courts
Being a Family Lawyer is pretty lucrative as apparently 48% of marriages end in divorce for a variety of reasons. From affairs or domestic abuse, to unreasonable behaviour in the form of alcoholism or using recreational drugs; marriages can last a few months right up to many years.
It is well documented that the Family Courts are in chaos. As of 1st April 2013, Legal Aid for divorce cases in England and Wales was withdrawn by the government. Legal Aid funding is not allowed for divorce or family law cases unless the party applying is a victim of domestic violence. The rules are very strict and it’s all means tested. In many cases, the applicant has to be on what’s termed a “passporting benefit”, which is a benefit the applicant is receiving purely because they have no assets or other income.
8 things NOT to do when you are getting a divorce
Legal Aid
With legal aid unobtainable for the majority, this leaves many people acting as LIP’s (Litigant in Person) in the courts and with very little legal knowledge, Judges are left guiding these poor folks through court cases where they don’t have the correct paperwork and documents or through cross-examining their ex. It’s sheer courtroom drama.
McKenzie Friends
For those who have very little income, there are practices which are run by McKenzie Friends. These are people who can accompany someone to their court case, to help them as they are a LIP and unrepresented by a Solicitor or Barrister. The McKenzie Friend can sit in the courtroom with the LIP and offer support and advice as well as taking notes. They can also very quietly provide divorce legal advice.
There are a few things that a McKenzie Friend is unable to do. They cannot conduct litigation; this has to be done by the LIP and neither can they file court documents or statements. If you want further information on this, there is a Practice Direction issued by the Family Courts.
Find family solicitors and other experts in The Hug Directory
