Court claim legal fees putting my family at risk of financial hardship

[PurpleReign]

Hello all,

I posted some time ago regarding a nasty situation I found myself in.

As a *very* brief summary, my then 'friend' and business partner and I fell out over their sexual advances toward me. When I rejected them, they turned into a very nasty character, blaming me for the loss of business in our company, and accusing me of setting up another business with a third party in order to betray them. I had done neither.
Needless to say, our relationship deteriorated over the course of several months until I was forced to resign as a director the business. I had no other source of income, and so at that point I did set up another company so that I had a means of looking after my family.
Shortly after that, my ex-business partner began making legal claims towards me, saying that I had deliberately set up the new business is competition with them. I had not - it was a separate business for some independent contracting work.
My solicitor advised me that I had a sexual harrassment case, and so I took them to an employment Tribunal.

It didn't stop them in any case - the legal letters continued for another two years until he levied a court claim against me and my new company.
All of this has cost me and my family a fortune which we couldn't afford.

I am now in the position of applying for security of costs against them, however this is also costing me a lot more money than I have.

My ex-business partner is a rich person with family money, land and property and is well-aware of my comparatively poor financial situation. They are also extremely vindictive and will be well-aware that this is damaging to me and my family.

So after this tale of woe, my question is, is there anywhere I can go to get help and advice to avoid financial hardship? Obviously asking my solicitor just costs me more for their advice.
I'm asking here in desperation.

[PurpleReign]

No-one has any advice to offer?

[islandgirl]

I think the sad answer is no. Many of us have read the above and I am sure have great sympathy but I for one have no idea who could give you advice. My only thought is the legal dept of your local university who often do have a free legal clinic. Your solicitor is obviously best placed - can you ask if they are willing to have a brief non chargeable meeting to decide next steps? It is in their interests for you not to run out of money....If you don't ask you don't get. All of this is not much help. Perhaps someone with better knowledge of this area will post - sorry I cannot help.

[echat11]

See if you can get some free Pro Bono advice from Barristers who deal directly with the public.

Google the following words together - business harassment direct access barrister pro bono

Direct Access Barrister by pass the need for solicitors, most will provide advice without committing to anything..

[atticus]

It doesn't help that the court process has been going on for 2 years. Surely in that time your lawyers have given you advice about your case. Has mediation or other settlement possibility been discussed with you?