1. ABOUT THE SERVICE

Witness Familiarisation Training is designed to help clients understand the court process, feel more confident when giving evidence, and develop strategies to manage nerves and communicate clearly during court proceedings. The service is educational and supportive in nature.

It is not legal advice, legal representation, advocacy, counselling, therapy or coaching on the substance of evidence. 

2. WITNESS FAMILIARISATION AND LEGAL COMPLIANCE

The training is provided in accordance with the principles governing witness familiarisation.

The service may include:

• Explaining court procedure and courtroom etiquette;
• Explaining how evidence is typically given;
• Discussing techniques for managing questions clearly and concisely;
• Explaining the roles of judges, barristers, solicitors and other participants in proceedings.

The service will not include:

• Advising you what evidence to give;
• Suggesting, rehearsing or creating answers to specific factual questions;
• Influencing, altering or improving the content of the evidence;
• Reviewing evidence with the intention of changing its substance;
• Providing legal advice regarding your case.

You remain solely responsible for the truth, accuracy and content of any evidence you give.

3.  NO SOLICITOR-CLIENT RELATIONSHIP        

Although Rhiannon Ford is a former practising solicitor with extensive experience in family law, Witness Familiarisation Training is provided solely as an educational and support service. 

The provision of Witness Familiarisation Training does not create a solicitor-client relationship, barrister-client relationship, or any other legal retainer between the client and Rhiannon Ford Divorce Consultancy. 

No legal advice is provided as part of the service. Clients must obtain legal advice from their own solicitor, barrister, or other qualified legal adviser regarding their case, legal rights, evidence, strategy, settlement options, and court proceedings. 

Clients should not rely on any information provided during training sessions as legal advice and acknowledge that all legal decisions relating to their case remain their own responsibility and that of their legal representatives. 

4. FEES

The standard Witness Familiarisation Training package consists of: 

• One 2-hour training session; and
• A follow-up email summarising key points and resources.

The fee for the initial package is £700 and includes:

• A 2-hour Zoom training session;
• A follow-up email summarising key points and reminders; and 
• A copy of the eBook, Giving Evidence in the Family Court.

Any additional work requested by the client, including additional training sessions, telephone consultations, email support, document review, or hearing-day support, will be charged at £195 per hour.

Work is charged on a pro-rata basis.

5.  PAYMENT

Payment for the initial training session is due in full before the session takes place. 

Invoices for additional work are payable within 7 days of the invoice date unless otherwise agreed in writing. 

Payments should be made by bank transfer unless an alternative payment method has been agreed. 

Where payment is made by credit card, an administration charge may apply. 

6. LATE PAYMENT

An administration charge of £30 may be added to invoices that remain unpaid 28 days after the due date. 

Interest may be charged on overdue invoices at the rate permitted by applicable law. 

If an invoice remains unpaid for more than 90 days, the matter may be referred to a debt recovery agency or legal representatives. The client shall be responsible for any reasonable costs incurred in recovering outstanding sums. 

7. APPOINTMENTS

The training sessions are normally conducted via Zoom unless otherwise agreed. 

The client is responsible for ensuring they have access to suitable technology and an adequate internet connection for online sessions. 

8.  CANCELLATIONS AND RESCHEDULING

Clients may reschedule or cancel an appointment without charge by giving at least 48 hours’ notice. 

Where less than 48 hours’ notice is given, or where a client fails to attend a scheduled session, a £50 cancellation fee may be charged. 

If a session is cancelled by Rhiannon Ford Divorce Consultancy due to unforeseen circumstances, an alternative appointment will be offered at the earliest reasonable opportunity. 

9. CLIENT RESPONSIBILITIES
Clients are responsible for: 

• Providing accurate information when booking;
• Attending sessions on time;
• Obtaining legal advice from their solicitor or barrister where required;
• Ensuring that any evidence they give in court is truthful and accurate.

10. CONFIDENTIALITY

Information shared during training sessions will be treated as confidential and will not be disclosed to third parties except: 

• Where disclosure is required by law;
• Where there is a safeguarding concern;
• Where disclosure is necessary to protect legal rights or prevent serious harm;
• Where disclosure is required by a court order.

The client acknowledges that communications with Rhiannon Ford Divorce Consultancy are not protected by legal professional privilege and may be disclosable in legal proceedings if required by law or court order.                        

11. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

The service is intended to assist clients in understanding the court process and improving confidence when giving evidence. 

No guarantee is given regarding the outcome of any court proceedings, hearing, negotiation or legal dispute. 

To the fullest extent permitted by law, liability for any claim arising from the provision of the service shall be limited to the fees paid by the client for the relevant training services. 

Nothing in these terms excludes or limits liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, fraud, fraudulent misrepresentation, or any other liability which cannot legally be excluded. 

12. COMMUNICATIONS

Business hours are Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5.30pm, excluding public holidays. 

Emails, telephone calls and messages will normally be responded to during business hours only. 

13. DATA PROTECTION

Personal information will be processed in accordance with applicable UK data protection legislation and the Privacy Policy of Rhiannon Ford Divorce Consultancy. 

14. GOVERNING LAW

These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. 

Any dispute arising from these Terms and Conditions shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales. 

15. ACCEPTANCE

By booking and paying for Witness Familiarisation Training services, the client confirms that they have read, understood and accepted these Terms and Conditions.