A duty advocate could be instated in the family court to advise self-representing parents.
It’s an idea floated by two of the Island’s leading advocates, who yesterday (WED) gave evidence to the Select Committee of Tynwald on the Care and Upbringing of Children.
President of the Isle of Man Law Society, Kevin O’Riordan, says it’s currently very difficult for self-litigators to access information on court procedures, and many do not understand the court’s mandate, resulting in disappointment.
Advocate Hazel Smith says walking the line between giving procedural and legal advice would be a challenge:
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