representing yourself?

Take a look at pages 21 - 22 of our guide to claiming DLA for mental conditions. It'll give you an idea of what might be relevant for LRC.

Hmelon wrote:

You mention elsewhere on this site that certain issues have to be raised if you have no representative can you tell me what those are?

There are no specific issues that have to be raised if you are not represented.

The difference is that if you are unrepresented a tribunal judge would, to some extent, have an obligation to investigate any issue that a qualified representative is likely to raise, whereas if you had a representative it would not be necessary unless your rep raises them. This is why a bad rep can sometimes do more harm than good to an appellants case.

Although the tribunal will be asking you questions your friend who is there as a witness should be given a chance to speak. I think it would be OK for your friend to add to anything you say if he/she feels that there is anything important that you forgot to mention.

Good luck

Derek

When I attended my tribunal late October I had my husband representing me. The clerk explained what would take place when I was called in, he then asked if my husband was a witness or representive. He then went on to explain if he was a witness I would go in by myself and he would be called in when they wanted to speak to him. If he was my representive he would go in when I did. Mine was a IB tribunal which might be different.

Hi Feebs

I am quite astonished by what the Clerk told you.

As well as having someone as a representative or witness, many appellants have somebody with them at the hearing just for moral support. As it was your husband, I think it goes without saying that he wasn't there purely on a practical basis!

He should have been allowed to sit with you regardless of whether or not he's representing you.

Derek