UK Family Court·Insights for litigants in person
Gap 230

Assumption: "If my solicitor messes up my case, the court will sort it out and I won't lose out financially — it's their fault, not mine."

1 min read

This content reflects observational insights and lived community experiences. It does not constitute legal advice — always consult a qualified professional for your specific circumstances.

What People Expect

Your solicitor's mistakes are their problem — the court will fix them at no cost to you.

Court Reality

Your solicitor's errors can lead to adjourned hearings, wasted costs orders, and you bearing the financial burden. In a published August 2026 judgment, a firm went on record without instructions, claimed the husband lacked capacity with no evidence, and shared hearing links with a third party without notifying the court. The judge called it 'utterly extraordinary' — and when the other side's solicitors failed to file a costs schedule, the wasted costs application was withdrawn, leaving the wife to pay.

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Bridge The Gap

The Gap?

"If my solicitor messes up my case, the court will sort it out and I won't lose out financially — it's their fault, not mine."

Court Reality

Your solicitor's errors can lead to adjourned hearings, wasted costs orders, and you bearing the financial burden. In a published August 2026 judgment, a firm went on record without instructions, claimed the husband lacked capacity with no evidence, and shared hearing links with a third party without notifying the court. The judge called it 'utterly extraordinary' — and when the other side's solicitors failed to file a costs schedule, the wasted costs application was withdrawn, leaving the wife to pay.

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Published23 August 2026Last reviewed31 August 2026

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