Guest viewing is limited

Hearing tomorrow in response to Section 7- ex does not agree with report and wants to take to final hearing

Beetlejuice

New member
Member
Section 7 report has been completed, recommendations that were contact to resume as before with spend time arrangements remaining as before contact was stopped.
Respondents have said they do not agree with this and would like the Cafcass officer to be cross examined in a final hearing.
I have agreed with Cafcass report, and obviously want contact to resume asap.
I am not represented, whilst she has a barrister.
Is there any success in arguing that the Cafcass reports recommendations are sufficient and it should not go to final hearing?
 
Worried that I will look arguementative or not child focused, but the local authority have prepared a safety plan, which I have agreed to, Cafcass are happy and confident that I have the child's best interests at heart, however ex disgrees.
 
I think you have no choice but to go to final hearing as ex disagrees. However judge will probably just go with caffcass recommendations. She will waste her time and money and your time. Just remain child focused and pro caffcass
 
I'd agree with all comments as above.

The key issue are 1) that safeguarding checks have been undertaken and the child is not at risk and 2) there are no matters which require a Fact Find (don't say that though, your ex might invent some!).

The judge is likely to go with CAFCASS's reccomemdations. If a good reason not to existed, then CAFCASS would have outlined it in their report.

I think it's right as stated above that your ex will end up wasting her money and the court's time and the judge is not likely to order a Final Hearing so that your ex's counsel can drone on when no substantive issues exist.

I think you need to emphasise the best interests of the child which are short proceedings and the quick re-establishment of your relationship. Even if a Final Hearing is listed, as pointed out above, seek interim time spent.
 
if you are unrepresented and can't afford a barrister, ask for an urgent directions hearing and ask to be appointed a qualified legal representative, who can then do the cross examination for you.
 
Back
Top