S7 recommendations, confused.

[blindex]

In my case Cafcass recommended some brutal arrangements and slow progression despite the children expressing their positive wishes towards me, glowing contact centre reports, etc.
All dutifully ignored by the judge. I had a good statement and position statememt and my barrister only had to sit and watch

 

[blindex]

It’s ups and downs and perfectly normal for you to be feeling bad right now. You need to focus your mind on providing a solid statement (if this is what was ordered from the previous hearing) dismantling Cafcass recommendations

 

[blindex]

The other thing to consider is that presumably there wasn’t a Fact finding hearing? So no domestic abuse. Whatever happened in the break up the children were exposed to conflict but not abuse.
Their coaxed behaviour is a big concern

 

[Ash]

The order asks for a 2 page statement responding to the S7. This isn't a position statement, it's a witness statement. 2 pages is very short but it does mean you can attach evidence.

 

[blindex]

That's very short. I'd hone in the following argument
Cafcass states that:
a) there was a good relationship with the father prior to the divorce
b) the children language indicates that they are reflecting their mothers view rather than their own

Yet Cafcass makes the recommendation that the FATHER should not put pressure on the children to have more time with him (which is just) but shows no concerns about the mother's behaviours and actions.

Therefore the Cafcass assessment is flawed on the count that it has not considered the true interests of the children (This article describes the issue very well https://todaysfamilylawyer.co.uk/wishes-and-feelings-in-private-children-proceedings/) and make no plausible recommendations to address the mother's behaviour only the father.

 

[Peanut 21]

Yes 2 pages short but if written well it may actually work better than a longer one as let's face it, judges probably read them in depth.

 

[Ash]

I think most good Judges read everything very carefully - especially witness statements and evidence. It has always surprised me how they have picked out things that even I didn't spot - they can be very on the ball to spotting manipulation. However there are some woolly ones as well.

Two pages will be difficult but should be able to be punchy. If it was a position statement even 2 pages would be limiting, but it's asking for a statement and clearly wanting to limit it to reactions to the S7 and proposals.