Tony, I wouldn't even represent myself in court. I did it once in the magistrates' court, thinking it was an easy case to get a result in. I finished second. On the appeal to the Crown Court, I retained solicitor and (other) counsel. Counsel strolled it and got the result. I'd like to think that the magistrates were too thick or ill-advised by their clerk to appreciate the merits of my case, brilliantly argued as it was (!), but I suspect the main reasons were that a)I had such confidence in the merits of the case that I didn't see, or imagine, that there could be any counter - argument or finding of fact worthy of the name b) I was the defendant and had less credibility in their eyes than independent counsel, and, of course, "any lawyer who acts for himself has a fool for a client"
These elements are present when appearing in court for family. Even in ordinary, non-contentious, matters, there's more of a risk that something will be missed or misjudged. And if you don't get the result, family never forget! You don't have to see other lay clients over the ensuing years, or live with them.