[Solved] Advice required- Statements

Hi Jonathan

That's good news, a supportive CAFCASS Officer can make all the difference. The first hearing is usually a formality like to decide on the direction of the case and to get any further reports ordered.

There are templates for statements, as there is a specific format and as long as you stick to the facts and keep it child focussed you will be fine, does it specify what type of statement?

Once you've written it up, one of the moderators would be happy to read it through for you, just drop a PM when you're ready.

I'll get a link to the template for you and some guidelines on how to write it.

All the best

http://www.thecustodyminefield.com/flapp/positionstatements.html

http://media.wix.com/ugd/69743a_6f5457e9a07b43ae9dcb67ef4be27cf2.docx?dn=Position%20Statement%20Template%20with%20questions.docx

Hello Mojo

First of all I would like to thank you in regards to your reply

The statements that have been requested are witness statements which both of us must complete and return to cafcass and the court by March 22nd

I have received a template from the court, although I don't know if I have to use it, or just use it as a guide.

Some of the boxes etc are too small, and I'm a bit confused as to what to put in the statement.
Me and my ex had an on and off relationship, first splitting in 2009. When they say about providing evidence- in what way? and how?
I will send a picture of the cover letter although I'm sure your familiar with them

Thanks again

Jonathan

Hi there

That's form C120, you,can use it, but alternatively you can write your own, using a basic template. If you're unsure you can give the court a call and get clarification, if you are both self representing, I'm sure thats the reason the court suggest using this, as it keeps statements on point and concise....otherwise people include information that has little relevance and I've see statements that are so long that they are counter productive! You want a statement to be clear, concise and covering only the salient points. A strong statement, that is no more than 5-7 pages long is much more effective and readable for the judge.

Evidence can be things like letters, transcripts of texts, photos... anything that backs up your statement really. You would refer to it in your statement, give it a reference number (usually your initials followed by a number, for example AB01, AB02, AB03 etc).

I usually write a list of things I want to include in the statement and then make a rough draft, read through and tidy it up...sometimes it might take 3-4 times going back to it before I'm happy with it. If you're stuck, Take some time out and go back to it with a fresh mind.

Thanks again Mojo

I self represented myself although I have a solicitor I have used for advice, letters etc. After my first hearing I was so pleased that I didn't have him represent me- there wasn't a lot to it yet it would of cost me a fortune!
I was just a little unsure to how the statement should go, and how specific about past events I have to be. I don't think I will use the actual template as it is, although use it as a guide.
As our relationship was on and off, I think it's important to include dates etc, in chronological order. Although I don't want to waffle on either, and to keep it child focused- not issues that that were solely between us.

So I could do a timeline so to speak, and just start with dates and information like-
October 2005 - Started relationship
September 2006 - started living together
December 2006 - birth of first child
May 2009 - birth of second child
September 2009 - first separated and stopped living together

That's what I was thinking, I've been looking for examples online although I can only find templates. I tend to overthink and over analyse things 🙂

I think you'd be better saying something like...

We met in October 2005 and started living together just before the birth of our first child xxxxxx, in December 2006. We had a second child xxxxxx in May 2009, but unfortunately our relationship ended because of (due to) xxxxxx and we separated in September 2009.

If you broke up and got together multiple times, you have to ask yourself is that really relevant to your case, when you can say the same thing in a paragraph. You met, you had kids and because of xxxx your relationship broke down.

Don't think you have to write your statement as a solicitor would, far better just to be yourself and write it naturally. As said, once youve written it and are happy with it, I'm sure any of us would be happy to cast an eye over it and give an opinion.

Thanks again Mojo
I found your example helpful and I think I have an idea where to start.
I will follow the template that I was given and write the history of our relationship where relevant.
I will have a go at it and it would be great to share it with someone

Thanks again
Jonathan