Court Without a Lawyer Community Interest Company. Company no. 7407783
Derek, a client
“ Thank you so very much, you provided me with a great start in my fight for my littlens. I cannot thank you enough! They are so much happier now they have almost equal shared care from both me and their mother.”
A High Court judge:
"Mr Barry was granted right of audience, and represented the appellant extremely
well. He was articulate and well-
Andrew, a client
“ John, i cannot thank you enough for the work you have done for me and your enthusiasm and beliefs for the work you do is probably the only thing that made me carry on .”
Mother empowered to represent herself
I got to know Ray Barry through the Equal Parenting Alliance web-
I was going through a very acrimonious divorce and the residence of our daughter. Most people who go through family law issues conventionally adopt the lawyer (legal) route because we are not familiar with alternative choices. I knew very little about McKenzie Friends. Like everyone going down the lawyer route ends up spending everything they have. I did the same.
However I was not going to give up and chose to engage Ray and HR Family to assist me in my case.
Meeting Ray was a breath of fresh air. Unlike lawyers, here was someone who had gone through a similar experience and this was a unique aspect of their service.
He had complete understanding and empathy of my plight and understood the challenges I faced. Ray and his firm bring total impartiality and objectivity.
Having been frustrated and disappointed by my lawyers, I was determined to take control
of matters, which lawyers don't really give you, as they tend to make the decisions
for you, then later re-
So here was someone who empowered me and echoed my instincts to represent myself.
The difference Ray brought to me was to give absolute clarity to the issues and to prioritise them accordingly, thereby allowing me to focus on then one by one.
His detailed knowledge of family law gave me a better grasp to understand the implications. He also brought with him insight and experience of how to conduct yourself in the court process and proceedings.
Ray was in-
- Focused better without distractions by taking me away from my usual surroundings
- Analysed the critical issues
- Brainstormed together the issues and how to address key barriers
- Developed insight and strategies to enable my case
- Focused on my agenda and not be derailed by my ex's agenda
- Drafted a compelling position statement
- Developed cross-
examination strategies to generate right outcome - Role play
- How to conduct myself in the court room with the District Judge and my ex-
husband's counsel - Empowered me
I was fuelled with knowledge and it gave me the confidence to represent myself as Litigant in Person.
I listened to everything Ray coached me on. Everything was written out including my strategies. I was filled with confidence in my abilities to see it through. At a recent hearing, I succeeded beyond my expectations.
The arguments Ray put together were coherent, transparent and based on facts.
I regard Ray as a friend to me, he's learned in the practice of Family Law and his unique style of working brings calmness in times of emotional crisis, especially where there is a marriage breakdown and also when children are involved. I would not have succeeded if I had gone to another Lawyer or even applied for Legal Aid.
In hindsight, I wished I had adopted this route from the very outset. It would have
saved me a lot of money by more importantly it would have given me greater control
and a critical voice in the court-
I would encourage anyone faced with family law issues and proceedings to get in touch with Ray and his firm. Please do not be afraid we have the ability in everyone of us to represent ourselves. The reward itself is much greater and satisfaction indescribable.
Going forward, Ray continues to help me and we stay in contact as friends.
JA, Kent