Re:Self Representation sometimes/Solicitor sometimes

Long story over 3 years in and out of courts with regard financial/child contact hearings. Ex partner sometimes chooses to turn up at court stating he is self representing and then a couple of days later, the letters start coming in thick and fast from his legal team. I was under the understanding that if you self represent; you file a form to the Courts stating that just as I did; however he has never done that. It seems that he is able to pick and choose. This does not seem fair, either you have representation or you do not. Thoughts please.

It may be that his solicitors are just coming off the record?

If a solicitor agrees you can ask them to help when and if you need help, it often comes down to what you can afford, your right about court, they require notice of acting so they know who will attend hearings and where correspondence should be sent.