It's important to focus on your own well being to ensure that we don't lose the plot which as you say is easy to do so..
When dealing with CAFCASS the most important thing is to remain child focused and not slate the ex as then you will be deemed to be in conflict with the ex which will influence their recommendations re child contact (often negatively)..
Whilst not fair, it's fine for the ex to say what she wants about you as she has custody of the kids whereas you are trying to get contact and so need to get CAFCASS onside..
All the best..
Thank you, the people on here have really helped. I would like to say a big thank you for continued support.
Are you planning on contesting the non-mol? You will have your opportunity to discuss your side of things in those hearings, it will also be down to your ex to show her evidence of the allegations.
@obsession1 As everyone has said keep your head clear, use your friends be careful of the great un-known CAFCASS they act like snakes read the written report from your phone call because they say one thing and do another, depending on the Judge on the day which from the very start of your back is against the wall yes you will feel like a criminal but keep your head up don't bite as it will be noted against this will be damage limation unless you're able to pull off a miracle that others before you failed as for me as one.
You have time on your side Rome was not built in a day you will feel that everyone is against you the rule.
lose your temper, keep your head up listen and think before answering, if you're in council listen to the advice because it's usually good but your need all the luck in the world.
Had the call, told CAFCAS i want 50%. They were very nice. Told me there reccomendations will go to Judge. They review it and then set a date for the court hearing. Told me they will need to look into things and if shes making allegations that at C7 or something will be required but i am welcome to ask the court for a temporary arrangement using grandparents or friends to assist in the meantime. She did say once it gets to this stage it moves quickly (found hard to believe).
See where we go from here.
hi,
that's great. things should move quicker as section takes about 8-12 weeks, and that's out of way now. judges like to go with the cafcass recommendations usually. now can wait for report and decide whether you agree or not with the recommendations. usually court will ask you to write a statement with your response to the S7 report.
The point i am at is the CAFCAS officer had the first call with me, i asked what the process is. She said if the other party has made accusations (which she will i expect this to be i swear and smack the kids) from what people close to her have said then CAFCAS will say this needs looking into. I said well what about in the meantime she said you are ok to ask for interim visits with a fried or grandparent supervising (treated like a criminal which is ridicolous). Ultimately i have said nothing about her but she will slate me so she said a S7 would probably be suggested. I have no idea what will happen now. i am going to get a copy of there report in the next few days i believe. Then we go in front of judge i expect he will say it needs looking into further then we add another 3 months on then be at 6 months and no further forward. Its far far to slow
What else will they likely reccomend?
@obsession1 yes it is quite a slow process. if they will do section 7 report, then will take 8-12 weeks. 6 months in total is actually on the lower scale. mine took about 5-6 months.
@obsession1 its very difficult to tell. Cafcass will recommend whatever they think is in the childs best interest.