[Solved] Access to my children

yes so they must have had a 1st gatekeeping appointment. seems like they are keeping it confidential. Have you spoken to cafcass at all, like an initial telephone call? usually they get involved early on.

I've not heard from cafcass at all. I too was under the impression that they would speak to me first.

I'd like to contact the court and ask them what this means. I'd also like to speak to cafcass and ask them.

It sounds to me like there may of been a hearing listed for your area locally . They didnt have all the relevant information i am guessing in that your ex partner is 110 miles away and couldnt possibly attend. Maybe they now need to have someone in her area look at application to decide what happens next. I am guessing they not expecting you to attend as you are 110 miles away as nothing happens at first hearings anyway. You should before January have Cafcass do safeguarding checks and possibly speak to you although that may happen after January. No doubt your ex will be putting in a C1a form and obtaining legal aid especially if she is in a womans refuge somewhere. If your child is of a very young age and your ex is now over 100 miles away this could end up being a very long delay unfortunately.
I definitely would not be getting a barrister or solicitor at this very early stage as it will cost thousands potentially running into double digits.

I'd be surprised if she's filling in a C1a form. Plus allegations can't be heard without evidence, according to the C100.

I've never laid a finger on her or my children. The Police were never called for domestic violence either.

You havent been to family court yet. There is likely to be a load of allegations coming your way especially if she is in a womans refuge as you possibly suggesting.

I think it depends on your ex' mindset. if she hates you and does not want you to see your kids, then most likely she may come up with reasons/excuses to prevent you. and that's where allegations come in. don't be surprised if a lot of allegations are thrown at you. most of us dads have had it, and the courts have seen it all before. have to remain calm and child-focused.

Regarding note 4 where it says, if I want to make an order, fill in form C2, what is that then?

What is C2 and why would I need to fill one in?

Wasn't my C100 the application for an order?

you ignore C2 as previously posted about. C2 is to apply for an order within current proceedings, which is your c100 application. some ppl use that form if you want to make a change or to drop your c100 proceedings. people have been known to drop/cancel the c100 halfway through proceedings. they would use c2 form for something like that.

Thanks.

So, so far perhaps we can surmise that there has been something which Cafcass has brought to the courts attention. We'll have to wait and see what it is. There is no legal reason to keep me from my children, no convictions or anything, so I'll see.

I will make contact with the court over the phone and by writing and see what I can find out before January.

I wonder how approachable cafcass are, if I should politely talk to them and ask them what concerns they may have and why, adding nothing other than listening to what they say.

Well I've had an invitation from Cafass via their secure email system, for telephone interview later this month.

So, this is happening.....

Ok, so telephone meeting tomorrow......

.....I'm just going over a few things, I hope I come across ok on the phone and don't mess anything up....

hope it goes well for you. remember: keep it CALM & CHILD- FOCUSED.

if they tell you about some allegations the mother made, try to remain calm and respond without attacking ex's character. It is tempting to counter-attack the ex with allegations. Just state that your only in this process for the benefit of the children and whats in their best interests.