Hi happy single dad
personally I chose to hire a solicitor though my case was complex. What I learnt was how little is achieved at each hearing, it’s a long drawn out process and it costs …..a lot. But I, like you, thought I have one chance, maybe the outcome would have been the same should I have chosen to self represent but it wasn’t a risk I was willing to take. I think the courts can provide support to those self representing through a resource called ‘mckenzie friends’. I believe the error many people make when utilising solicitors is Confusing the solicitor with a counselling service, just be wise with your communication