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I have to attend court for two days relating to access for my son. My ex is dipping into the money I gave her to re-house our son to pay for a solicitor. I will be representing myself.
There have been Cafcass interviews with both parents and one with the child. U full report was submitted. Each parent has submitted a response to this report.
The cafcass officer will be in court for the first day.
My question is just what should I expect and prepare for? Will there be evidence giving and cross examination of Cafcass? Will there be evidence giving and cross examination of the parents by solicitor/me?
Should I prepare an opening and closing statement?
Should I prepare a bundle?
Just why is this thing going to take two days? We have been to court many times but I donβt understand what the deal is with a two day period.
My ex is a drama teacher and a very good performer, she lies fluently and has no issue with perjuring herself. I need to be as prepared as possible. I have the weekend to get myself ready as the case is on Monday (it was set at short notice).
Has anyone gone through a two day court hearing like this?
Hi there
is this a final hearing? If the court required a bundle, the responsibility would lay with your ex's solicitor as you are not represented. The practice directions require agreement on a bundle between both parties no less than 4 working days before the hearing & the bundle to be lodged with the courts 2 working days before.
As your case sounds quite involved, it wouldn't hurt to compile one for yourself so that you can access anything you need to refer to during the hearing. You only need an opening statement in criminal cases, but again, wouldn't hurt to prepare a closing statement.
Did the court not indicate if you would be required to cross examine? It's my understanding that for a hearing of this length, it's a strong possibility.
If you decide to prepare a bundle for your own use and need further help, pm me, I have a guide I can send you.
Good luck π
http://www.barcouncil.org.uk/media/203109/srl_guide_final_for_online_use.pdf
I would prepare opening and closing statements and questions for cross examination. You should be allowed to cross examine the CAFCASS officer on the content of the report and also the other party. There is a sticky called "The art of cross examination" that you might find useful in the stickys at the top of the legal eagle section, along with some videos.
1626 has given some good advice about the bundle.
Two days does seem excessive...but this depends on how complex the case is.
Best of luck with it.
The cross examination sticky is a good one. To put it succinctly, something I was told last weekend 'hold their hand for a nice stroll down the garden path and when you get to the end, punch them in the face' π
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