A KIDDERMINSTER lawyer has said cutbacks in public funding will fuel a rise in people trying to represent themselves – which can put them at serious risk.

Katherine Tippetts, Partner with Kidderminster law firm mfg Solicitors, says more people are attempting to represent themselves in divorce and matrimonial matters by, for example, researching guidance on the internet.

But she said they can then potentially get trapped by the paperwork and procedures by not fully understanding the courts system.

Miss Tippetts said: “The courts can be a complex, legal minefield for anyone without proper representation. Lack of public funding and a fear of high legal costs are leaving more and more people resorting to representing themselves.

“The problem is if they are not up to speed and aware of the correct paperwork and procedures involved, they could end up losing out or paying out even more.

“It can be very daunting dealing with the legal costs in areas such as matrimonial matters but it is essential to at least have advice at the outset and to understand the options available.

“For many people there will be alternatives to going to court which can be explained to clients at the outset.

“In the case of divorce, however, it is vital to negotiate and settle matters properly as these proceedings will undoubtedly affect the rest of both parties’ lives.

“Just as someone would not perform their own medical operation, they must not try to represent themselves on something so pivotal.”