ABOUT THE PROJECT
What is the research about?
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Legal aid was removed for most private family law cases in April 2013, and lots of people are now going to court without a lawyer in these cases.
The aim of this research project is to understand what it is like for people to represent themselves in court, so that we can understand the impact of these cuts to legal aid.
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Who is doing the research?
The researcher in this project is Jess Mant, who is doing this research as part of her PhD at the University of Leeds. Jess wants to understand what it is like for people to go to court without a lawyer, so she needs volunteers who are willing to talk about their experiences.
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What does the project involve?
Jess will interview around 25 people about their experiences of going to court, including their thoughts and feelings about the court, process and the family justice system. Jess will then analyse these ideas and write up her findings in her PhD thesis, as well as other publications like books, articles and presentations.
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Why should I take part?
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This research will raise awareness of what court is actually like for people who need to use it. By taking part in this project, you will make an important contribution to that process.
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TAKE PART
If you are interested in being interviewed for this research, please fill out the contact form.
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These details are required so that this research can include a broad range of experiences. If you are selected to be interviewed, Jess will contact you directly to discuss further details.
Thank you very much for your time and interest.
Would you be willing to take part in a research project to talk about your experiences in court?
Private family cases might include...
CASES ABOUT CHILDREN
DISPUTES WHEN YOU DIVORCE
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Court orders to protect people from abuse and abusive situations
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Disputes about your home or over how your finances are divided when you divorce
Where they should live
Who has responsibility
How often parents see them
TAKING PART IN THE PROJECT
How can I take part?
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Doing an informal, face-to-face interview with Jess (of no more than 90 mins). This can happen at a time and place which is convenient for you. Jess can travel to you and/or cover any of your travel expenses.
To arrange a time to meet with Jess to talk about the research, please get in touch with her by phone or email – the details are at the bottom of this website.
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What will happen to the information I provide?
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With your agreement, your interview will be audio recorded so that Jess can write up what was said into a transcript, which she will use to write up her research findings.
All of the information you provide will be stored securely and used anonymously. No one else will have access to your information, or the audio recording of your interview. When Jess is writing about your experiences, she will use a different name of your choice.
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What happens if I change my mind about taking part?
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Jess will be available to talk about any concerns you have at all stages, but you can change your mind about taking part at any time. Jess can withdraw and destroy your information as long as you let her know before March 2018, when it will be written up in the final PhD thesis.