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Alternatively, if you are in crisis, please call Samaritans on 116 123.
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Good luck with it all. There is a guide on the advicenow.org.uk website on representing yourself when the other side has a lawyer. There is also a guide about child contact. Both are worth a read
FHDRA can be uneventful and sometimes dissapointing if sat before a legal advisor.
In a nutshell it's a directions hearing to narrow down what the issues are e.g
-Domestic abuse
-Who should the child live with and have contact with.
-Safeguarding
-Interim contact
At the hearing either of the following will be ordered:
-Fact finding hearing
-Section 7 Welfare Report
-Drug or Alcohol testing
-Psychological examination
However don't be alarmed, the court only orders what relevant and proportionate.
Don't over think or be too nervous. At FHDRA and DRA, the court does not determine facts e.g whether abuse has taken place. Therefore you will not be cross examined or expected to reply to specific allegations.
As a respondent, your success will be:
-In making it clear what your availability for contact is during the proceedings.
-Saying nothing or as little as possible about her allegations.
- Samaritans – call 116 123
- Shout – text the word ‘Shout’ to 85258
