Fiona Davidson on the McCartney divorce

Mar 25 2008 Liverpool Daily Post

THE marital break-down of Paul McCartney and Heather Mills has filled an acre of newsprint.

The case has been given a bizarre and un- usual twist by Heather Mills’s decision to represent herself. In turn, the question has been asked – do you need a divorce lawyer?

It is vital that anyone considering repre-senting themselves makes an informed decision. The reality is that Heather’s high- profile self-defence has horrified many in the legal profession, who believe she has set an ill-advised example.

If you are thinking of following Heather, there are five points worth considering:

First, money. While it may appear you can save money on legal fees by representing yourself, it is questionable there is any saving at all.

Second, solicitors know the guidelines and factors that the courts take into account when dealing with financial issues during divorce proceedings.

Third, there is a risk of irritating or antagonising the court by not knowing what is relevant and what is not.

Fourth, it may take longer to resolve the case, and finally, there are likely to be things you will fail to take into account, such as tax implications or issues relating to pensions.

The truth is that representing yourself, without the knowledge of how divorce law works, can only ever put you at a serious disadvantage.

FIONA DAVIDSON is associate solicitor with the Mace & Jones family law team.