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hello,i applied to the west sussex family court to extend access to my 5 year old son from every existing sunday to shared weekends and 50/50 at holidays-because i was one number out on my phone number cafcass did not manage to contact me at the time specified for phone interview (ime autistic) i phoned them 2 hours after the alocated time and several times after but did not recieve their assesment untill 3 days before case and they re-write it on the court day 30 minutes before we entered court for the expexted 30 minute hearing-i agreed to what they wrote but hadnt realy taken it in,i had been awake most of the night worrying and had then sat waiting to go into the court for 4 hours-result was only contact centre for 4 months while they do a report,even my ex was shocked and argued that she would like existing arrangements to continue-my question is how can i appeal and what number forms-i agree to the section 7 report as it may get the true facts in the system-any help appreciated as the worry is worse than when i was threatened with repossion-i think the main cafcass problem is they are not given enough time to do a proper assessment in what is generally quite complex situations,thanks,tony
Hi Tony
Unfortunately, there would have to be procedural errors for an appeal to be granted, not just that you disagree with the interim order. What reason was given for using a contact centre, even when the mother argued for the existing arrangements to continue... if you don't mind me asking.
Courts have to be cautious and if there's a question over safeguarding of your child, they will want to investigate this further before agreeing to unsupervised contact.
Is your ex wiling to continue with the Sunday contacts? It's a tough situation for you, once disputes enter the court arena, progress can be incredibly slow. If your child is showing distress at the change in arrangements, you could bring this up with CAFCASS and you can apply for urgent new directions in the existing case if you think your child is suffering. You would do that with form C2.
All the best
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