If a spouse is taking legal advice from a struck-off solicitor, this is not viewed favourably by the court.

1. Credibility and judgment:
   • It raises serious doubts about that person’s judgment and reliability.
   • Courts expect parties to rely on qualified, ethical, and regulated professionals for legal advice.
2. Improper influence:
   • A struck-off solicitor is not allowed to practise law or advise clients, so their involvement can be seen as inappropriate or even unlawful.
   • If it appears that person is drafting documents, influencing statements, or shaping evidence, the court may question the integrity of those documents or the spouse’s motives.
3. Impact on proceedings:
   • It can undermine the credibility of the spouse’s case.
   • A judge might infer that the spouse is being manipulated or acting in bad faith by taking guidance from someone barred for misconduct.
   • In serious cases, it could lead to a formal report to the regulatory authority.

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🧠 Psychological View (Behavioural & Motivational Meaning)

From a psychological and relational standpoint, this behaviour can signal several underlying patterns:

1. Need for control or validation:
   • A spouse might seek out such advice because they want someone who will affirm their position, not challenge them — even if it’s ethically wrong.
   • It can reflect confirmation bias and ego-driven decision-making, not rational judgment.
2. Defiance and manipulation:
   • Choosing a struck-off solicitor may be a form of defiance (“I’ll do what I want, the rules don’t apply to me”).
   • It can also indicate manipulative intent — trying to weaponize pseudo-legal tactics to control or intimidate the other party.
3. Emotional immaturity or trauma response:
   • Sometimes, people who feel cornered or ashamed turn to “rogue experts” as a way to regain a sense of power.
   • It may show paranoia, distrust of authority, or unresolved trauma around control and justice.
4. Projection and alliance-seeking:
   • Psychologically, the spouse may be aligning with someone who mirrors their worldview — often someone who also has a disregard for rules, boundaries, or accountability.
   • This alliance can reinforce toxic or antisocial patterns in the separation dynamic.

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🧩 How Courts Integrate These Impressions

Judges are not psychologists, but they do notice behaviour patterns.
If a spouse repeatedly:

• ignores court directions,
• acts through unqualified individuals, or
• submits documents that appear influenced by improper advice,

the court may view them as:

• Unreliable,
• Disrespectful of process, and
• Potentially manipulative.

That perception can influence credibility assessments, parental responsibility evaluations, and even cost orders.