Advocate and do I need a barrister for an initial directions hearing?

Hi, I applied for the divorce, although my soon-to-be-ex filed for Child Arrangements Order. We have our first hearing coming up, which since we are both alleging domestic abuse, is a directions hearing I imagine to determine if a fact finding hearing is necessary. I definitely think it is, and can't begin to summarise the abuse that myself and the children went through in the Scott Schedule I've been directed to provide, although I'm trying to at least indicate it. Anyway, I can't afford representation but wonder if it's worth trying to get a barrister through Advocate for this hearing, or better to do all that paperwork for later hearings? Any advice / experience with this?

Hello,
Your post is a little unclear. If this is your first hearing, who has directed you to provide a scott schedule?
If it is the FHDRA then no, you definitely won't need a barrister. The family court typically can be navigated by litigants in person alone but it can be overwhelming without support. This is why people opt for a solicitor, barrister or a cheaper option is a professional McKenzie Friend. The majority of cases I deal with are DV related, possibly because of the connections I have with a DV hub but also, unfortunately its very common and a mediator (I am also a trained mediator) can sign off on a MIAM certificate to say go straight to court if either party don't want to mediate where DV was a factor.