Is this book an alternative to a lawyer?

No, not really. There is no substitute for proper legal advice or representation – whether you are trying to work out your options and resolve disputes without having to go to court, or find yourself party to a court case.

But the reality is that many people cannot afford lawyers, and need some guidance to point them in the right direction. That’s what this book is – a guide about how things work, rather than advice about your particular case.

In short, the book is better than nothing. If read carefully it should make you into a well informed litigant in person – not a lawyer. It should give you the tools to try and make a good fist of getting a sensible result. I hope that it contains the answers to most questions that are commonly asked and will help you avoid common pitfalls and misunderstandings.

If your case involves unusual features or is complex it may be that you really do need a lawyer. The book sets out some of the circumstances where this is necessary and gives you some guidance about when legal aid may be available.