litigants in person
Introducing Courtney Legal
Promoting legal wellbeing and empowerment through visual learning Courtney is the first audio-visual law library in this country, featuring short animations of hearings and NCDR sessions
Proposed changes relating to court bundles in family proceedings
Resolution has responded to proposed changes to PD27A.
Child Arrangement Orders
This guidance refers to proceeding with any court order that involves children. For example this can include who the child is going to live with, resolving disagreements such as which school the child will go to, emergency orders etc.
Guidance for litigants in person on compiling of bundles for hearing in family courts
This guide aims to assist you in preparing an index and bundle for hearings in family courts. It is not legal advice, though it has been prepared by a team consisting of individuals who are a part of the court process (solicitors/barristers/mediators/voluntary members of the court user service)
Top tips for representing yourself in court as a litigant in person
Representing yourself in court without a lawyer can be a difficult and stressful process. Here are some top tips from our Litigants in Person committee.
Top tips for members working with litigants in person
Resolution's Litigants in Person (LiPs) Committee has produced these top tips for members who are working with LiPs covering communication, court proceedings and managing client expectations.
Good Practice Guide to Working with Litigants in Person
With the reforms to family justice, cutbacks on legal aid and changes in behaviour in relation to the ways in which people approach family relationship breakdown, there has been a significant increase in the number of litigants in person and you should consider how your dealings with litigants in person will differ from those with another lawyer.
Litigants in person – post-LASPO
With the number of self-represented parties sky-rocketing, it is important that lawyers tailor their approach when working with them
Helping low-income families to find solutions: how Law for Life and Resolution work together on the Affordable Advice service
Guidance for litigants in person on preparing a witness statement
This guidance is intended to help those representing themselves in private children law proceedings where they have been ordered by the court to prepare a witness statement. It is not a substitute for bespoke, independent, legal advice.

Representing yourself in court as a litigant in person
When a relationship breaks down to the point that going to court seems like the only option Resolution would always advise seeking help and representation from one of our members. However we understand that this not always possible and that sometimes you have to represent yourself in court.
Glossary of legal terms
Specific terms are used in the legal process which can be confusing and unfamiliar. Set out below are some definitions to help you on the way.
Financial Applications
It is important when getting divorced, or when dissolving a civil partnership, to consider the financial issues that arise out of the separation. Most couples try to reach a financial settlement without having to ask the court to determine their financial claims, however, some couples are not able to come to an agreement in relation to their finances and need to make a financial application to the court. Where an application is made the couple will still be encouraged to try and come to a settlement themselves within those proceedings but ultimately a judge will impose an outcome on them if they cannot. Below we set out the court process.
What Barbie taught me about accessibility
We need to change some basic fundamentals of family procedure in order to ensure LiPs have a fair...
- Members only
Litigants in Person Committee
The Litigants in Person (LiPs) Committee was set up to respond to the increasing number of LiPs in the family justice system. They help members working with LiPs and they help LiPs with information to improve their experience of the system.
The prohibition of cross-examination by litigants in person
In certain circumstances where it is inappropriate for a party to cross-examine a witness, the co...
- Members only
Private Law Children Proceedings: Checklist for solicitors and direct access counsel instructed by lay clients who have previously acted in person
This is a checklist of the main points a solicitor or direct access barrister should bear in mind...
- Members only
Financial Remedy Proceedings: Checklist for solicitors and direct access counsel instructed by lay clients whom have previously acted in person
This is a checklist of the main points a solicitor or direct access barrister should bear in mind...
- Members only
Supporting litigants in person throughout the pandemic
This workshop was presented by Carmen O’Loughlin and Jovana Ugrinic from the Support Through Cour...
- Members only
Video: Support Through Court – Supporting Litigants in Person
Supporting litigants in person - how Support Through Court helps and how they can help you in you...
- Members only
Supporting litigants in person- how we help and how we can help you
Learn about how Support Through Court’s services support Litigants in Person and how you can engage with their work to improve your experience in cases involving LiPs.
Some thoughts on LiPS
There is no decline in the rising numbers of self-litigating parties, and practitioners need to b...
- Members only

Guidance for litigants in person on remote hearings in the Family Court
Hearings in the Family Court are increasingly being held remotely by telephone or on video conferencing software. This guide is designed to help you through the process and includes helpful information on how to prepare for the hearing, how to join a hearing and what to do during the hearing.
McKenzie Friends: the good, the bad and the ugly
As with most things in life, there are positives and negatives of McKenzie Friends, as personal e...
- Members only
An introduction to McKenzie Friends
Feedback on the Judicial Executive Board’s consultation on McKenzie Friends shows there is still ...
- Members only

Litigants in Person – Advice for members
Resolution members have increasingly found they must work with litigants in person (LiPs).
- Members only
Practical perspectives on litigants in person
Making sure LiPs know the purpose of individual hearings on the day, as well as – more generally ...
- Members only