I recently attended my FHDR and overall, I feel the outcome was somewhat favorable. While there are some hurdles I need to navigate, which I find frustrating, I understand the court's cautious approach, particularly due to the allegations my ex made to Cafcass. However, both Cafcass and the court appeared to give little weight to these allegations, as they were not a significant focus during the proceedings.
My ex attempted to impose restrictive / limit contact arrangements in the hearing and gave multiple reasons why but the court said there has to be progression and has ordered indirect contact for an initial 8-week period. This involves sending letters and small gifts to demonstrate my consistency. Following this, I will have two-hour supervised visits every fortnight, with video or phone calls on the alternate weeks. The supervised visits will gradually increase by an hour every session over an additional 8 weeks. These arrangements actually provide more contact time than I previously had with my ex's original arrangement.
Cafcass recommended that unsupervised visits should eventually take place, but this was not finalised in court. I believe the intention is for my ex and me to communicate and agree on this in the future. As planning together for children course was ordered, If we are unable to reach an agreement, a contested hearing will take place in May, where both parties will need to produce statements.
I am feeling optimistic about the current arrangements but have a couple of questions:
1. What would be considered appropriate small gifts for the indirect contact period?
2. Do you have any advice on how I should prepare or conduct myself during this six-month period leading up to the contested hearing?
Thanks all
My ex attempted to impose restrictive / limit contact arrangements in the hearing and gave multiple reasons why but the court said there has to be progression and has ordered indirect contact for an initial 8-week period. This involves sending letters and small gifts to demonstrate my consistency. Following this, I will have two-hour supervised visits every fortnight, with video or phone calls on the alternate weeks. The supervised visits will gradually increase by an hour every session over an additional 8 weeks. These arrangements actually provide more contact time than I previously had with my ex's original arrangement.
Cafcass recommended that unsupervised visits should eventually take place, but this was not finalised in court. I believe the intention is for my ex and me to communicate and agree on this in the future. As planning together for children course was ordered, If we are unable to reach an agreement, a contested hearing will take place in May, where both parties will need to produce statements.
I am feeling optimistic about the current arrangements but have a couple of questions:
1. What would be considered appropriate small gifts for the indirect contact period?
2. Do you have any advice on how I should prepare or conduct myself during this six-month period leading up to the contested hearing?
Thanks all
