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hi can anyone give me a ball park idea what it is going to cost for a solicitor, going for child arrangement order in court 3rd week of month, kids with me after not wanting to return to mother, they have alleged abuse, social services
closed case against mother she denied everything and they couldn't prove anything, Social services indicated that they didn't think kids were lying, and were safe with me, so up to me to CAO, kids are year 2 and year nine ,
went to court last week for prohibited step order, after mother traumatised youngest child by trying to remove her from contact centre five weeks ago, Mother turned up with solicitor, I barely got a chance to speak, got order to stop her trying to take kids from me for now,, but was forced into allowing contact for next two weekends in public child friendly environment supervised by her family for a couple of hours and a online call every week only youngest attending , any advice turned down on legal aid and completely out of my depth
Looking £2-4000 up without a fact finding hearing, with one approx £9-21000.
well thats completely out of the question, some how I am going to have to represent myself, very very worried, and Cafcass were supposed to submit safeguarding report to court today, can they do that without seeing me or the Kids?
thanks for replying
Yes they can a basic report is all they do initially. They'll probably request a section 7 report which takes 12 weeks to build, they'll speak to you, the ex and the children then suggest the next step to the court.
Don't stress too much on it I'm going through it personally as I can't afford it. I have requested a fact find as my wife's statement is full of lies. Just read EVERY guide you can and make sure you prep early. Ask for help from family and friends to proof read your work.
You'll be ok, just make sure you put the work in before court.
well thats completely out of the question, some how I am going to have to represent myself, very very worried, and Cafcass were supposed to submit safeguarding report to court today, can they do that without seeing me or the Kids?
thanks for replying
Cafcass will want to interview you both for the safeguarding report, which is usually undertaken over the phone. They are often late and sometimes the report (called an S2) can be handed to the parties as they’re walking into court. It’s a basic report, that will include details of any police or local authority involvement, so any history of past convictions etc. and social services involvement.
As has been mentioned, due to the nature of your case, it’s highly likely that a section 7 report will be ordered at the next hearing, it’s a much more in-depth report and can include the wishes and feelings
of the children, the age of the child will determine how this is done, but it can take place at school or in the family home or offices. If you have Social Services involvement, they may be tasked with preparing the report as they have working knowledge of the family.
Self representing is daunting, but doable, try not to think too far ahead, much better to deal with each issue as it arises and keep everything child focussed. It might be useful for you to prepare a brief position statement to take with you to the next hearing, just a couple of pages to give a little more detail,about the background, your concerns and what you would like the court to do.
It might also be helpful for you to attend a Families Need Fathers meeting in your area, where you’ll get face to face advice and support from others in a similar situation. Here’s a link to their website, where you’ll find details of meetings nationally, hopefully there will be one near you.
www.fnf.org.uk/help-and-support-2/local-branch-meetings
If you have any questions please feel free to ask and we will do our best to advise and support you.
Best of luck
Thank you for you reply
your advice has been very helpful
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