Heather Mills is set to sue her former lawyers.
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The former model, who is currently embroiled in a bitter divorce battle with Sir Paul McCartney, has reportedly threatened Mishcon de Reya with legal action after they failed to agreement a settlement with Paul’s lawyers.
Mishcon are currently pursuing Heather for almost 20 months of unpaid bills totalling UKP2 million but the 40-year-old vegan is ready to counter sue – claiming she was given bad advice by her lawyers before they parted ways last year.
A source said: “There is a possibility of Heather Mills counter suing. Whatever she owes Mishcon – whether it’s UKP1 million or UKP2 million – you would have expected her to get something for it.
“There has been no divorce settlement and no outcome over all this time.”
Mishcon have so far refused to comment on Heather’s reported legal action. Heather, who has decided to represent herself in her divorce settlement, is expected to grill The Beatles legend over claims he was abusive during their four-year marriage.
James Stewart, a partner in law firm Manches, warned Heather she must be “prepared” to go to court without a legal team.
He said: “It is terribly difficult to act as a litigant in person. It requires an incredible amount of work. You must be well prepared and focused, which is why it’s generally much better to be represented by a competent team.”
The five-day closed hearing, which will be held in the family division of London’s High Court before Mr. Justice Bennett, begins on Monday (11.02.08). Heather and Paul, 65, are said to be “miles apart” on key issues and these differences forced their split to be settled in a costly court hearing.
A legal source said: “You only go to a final hearing if there is a huge gulf between the parties or where one of the parties, for one reason or another, just wants his or her day in court.”
Heather is expected to ask the judge to award her UKP50 million in the settlement. Judge Bennett will also deal with custody and financial arrangements for the couple’s four-year-old daughter Beatrice.
