Sorry, I just forgot to mention that last week, when I was on video call with the kids, our little 2 year old was running around with her mum razor. I did not have chance to say this to CAFCASS at pre-hearing yesterday or at hearing. This is not the first time that their mum expose dangerous things like this to them (grown ups medicines, hot cooking pots, etc,). The worst thing is that when she came and so the razor, she wasn't like that is even a big deal.
Thankfully, my zoom had recorded this as all our video calls was recorded by default.
Now that is worrying me more and more now. Is there anything you suggest I can do to protect kids and avoid such things. I am also scared that social services might take kids away, etc... but I guess if that is for kids safety, I would not even mind at this stage. Or do I have to wait for next hearing, which can be quite dangerous for them.
Any advice, recommendation would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks again
Also I think because of that she tried to get the court to reduce the Video call time. And yesterday, after the hearing, her sollicitor emailed me saying that her client will follow CAFCASS recommendation and stop all direct and indirect contacts, until S7 is done
With regard to the use of a barrister. If money is tight, it's a good idea to attend some of the hearings yourself and some with the barrister. DRA's are usually okay on your own as they're usually brief hearings where decisions are not often made, but fact finding or final hearings are much trickier.
If you can afford to do all your hearings that way, then it's entirely your choice. Best of luck
Hello everyone,
I had been to the FHDRA in mid April and it was not bad as the judge seemed really fair and not biased at all. She asked now for Police disclosure and to see why local authority ignored my concerns with the evidence. Also, because there are allegations on both sides, she asked that a Scott Schedule with statements are done from from both sides, then to respond to allegations and we will have the Finding of Fact hearing some time in July.
I have asked for the barrister (the one that initially help me send application) to quote me on just doing the paperwork and I was astonished to be quoted £1800 just for the paperwork. I don't think I can afford that and even if I could, I don't think it is worth it; so I did not even bother to ask them to represent me and I am planning to keep representing myself etc. I am checking online and on here to do the SS, statement and respond to allegations myself although it seems a bit complex atm. I have now got the template for SS, but could anyone clarify how I have to send the evidence along with the statement? Is it just to name the files, attach them to the email and refer to it on SS and statements? if so the email might be 2 to 3 separate emails due to the size of the files, would that be OK?
Also, the judge asked me to send my evidence (recordings) to the ex's solicitor so she could draft an order and send the police disclosure request. That did not sound right to me, but I did and she sent me the draft and disclosure request before sending it to court and it seemed OK, so I am waiting for Court to send us the approved version.
The best bit so far, is that she ordered the mum to allow Zoom video calls twice a week for now, as she stopped it before that hearing; although I asked for direct contact, but I'm definitely happy with this for now and understand direct contact is almost impossible with the NMO in place.
When the judge asked me what I wanted I said a live with order but would not mind contact with there mom as much as possible and as long as my concerns(child abuse) are addressed accordingly.
Any additional advice going forward will be greatly appreciated and I will definitely keep you all posted.
Many thanks to you all again
Also, I have been considering using a McKenzie friend to help me with the paperwork and make sure I am doing things right. So do you have any recommendations for a good mackenzie friend, as there may be some people from here that do it.
@el_dad what you mentioned of £1800 quote for paperwork is quite ridiculous. when i was going through courts first time I had a barrister, £900 per hearing. he gave legal advice, represented me, did all the admin and drafted the order.
here is info on scott schedule and a template: https://childlawadvice.org.uk/scott-schedule/
As actd says, possibly worth contacting Families Need Fathers. You can also google 'qualified lawyer McKenzie Friend' as there are one or two out there who are really very good and reasonably priced. Try to get a recommendation if you can.