Final Hearing done, but still no sealed CAO

[DannyK]

Hi Dads,

Bit of a random one here..

I had a favourable Final Hearing last week that resulted in;

- 5 overnights per fortnight
- Half holidays
- Shared lives with order

In the past when I've had a CAO awarded (it's been a journey..) the parties (via their barristers in this case) agree the fine details the day after the hearing and the Order is "sealed" (think I'm using that term correctly).

But it's now been a week since the Final Hearing, and last I heard (three days ago) my Ex's barrister is "awaiting instructions".. And my own barrister (who's fee includes the drawing up of the Order) has gone a bit quiet on me the past two days - and so (as a LiP with no solicitor) I have no idea what is happening.

Is it normal for a CAO to take over a week to be agreed and sealed?

Could my Ex be up to something? (highly possible based on previous)

How can I expedite this process?

I don't want to circumnavigate my barrister (especially as she's being paid to draw the Order up) but do I email my Ex's solicitor to find out what's happening? (I don't even have her barrister's email)

And what is the legal footing we are currently on? Is the Order made last week now active? Or are we still on the previous CAO? Or no order at all?

Am so frustrated - which is probably exactly what my Ex wants and could well be deliberately dragging her heels with no agenda other than to make me sweat.

How long (legally) can this go on? Ie. without a sealed Order?

Do I email the court clerk to explain what's going on? Or (again) do I run the risk of annoying my own barrister - who hasn't replied to my email two days ago asking what is happening!!

Am totally in the dark on this so any advice would be most appreciated!

 

[coggers1980]

My last order took about 3 weeks to get back - granted not a final order - not got that far yet. I emailed the court, who were very slow at getting back to me.

 

[Jumper85]

Can be quick but can also take a few months if both parties don't agree it reflects the courts judgment. It then sits with the courts. I think I've waited over a month for mine in the past.

 

[Jumper85]

Sorry, one thing to note however, the judgment handed down by the court is enforceable immediately is my understanding, regardless as to whether the order is sealed or not.

 

[Ash]

Has your barrister sent you a draft of the order yet? That's usually the first thing in my experience. That your barrister sends it to you as a draft for checking. I think they then send it to the other side for approval then it gets sent to court for sealing. So I would contact your barrister. Maybe they haven't got round to doing it yet!

Sealed orders can take quite some time - depends on the region I think. Mine took two or three months to come through.