A charity which helps support those facing civil and family courts without legal representation has posted a free online video to help litigants in person.

Support Through Court worked with Bond Solon, a legal training and information company founded by solicitor Mark Solon which provides training in the law to non-lawyers, to produce the short video explaining the court process, what to expect, and how unrepresented individuals can prepare for their hearing.

The charity, based in locations across England and Wales, provide practical and emotional support in civil and family court proceedings to litigants in person or unrepresented individuals. It does not offer legal advice. Practical advice can involve volunteers helping complete forms, explaining the court process, support in court, taking notes to debrief afterwards as well as showing clients around the courtroom.

The video will be shared throughout Support Through Court’s services and aims to raise awareness of the court process and give litigants in person confidence to speak in court. Advice includes rereading documents, practising saying arguments out loud, and speaking slowly, clearly and directly to the judge.

Emma Taylor, chief executive of Support Through Court, said the charity was ‘delighted’ to work with Bond Solon to create an ‘invaluable resource for people who have no one to turn to’.  

Emma Taylor

Emma Taylor, Support Through Court chief executive

She added: ‘Now, more than ever, people facing court as litigants in person are going online to determine their next steps. There’s a wealth of information out there but this can be overwhelming, especially if someone isn’t as familiar with technology.’ It is hoped the video will help unrepresented individuals to gain some confidence before their hearing in a situation where ‘emotional stakes for litigants in person is so high’.

Solon said: ‘We have distilled in this short video vital information for all litigants in person. We have used plain language with subtitles. The intention is that litigants will feel more confident and more effective at a hearing which will help the judge and save time.’