[Solved] Court procedures - a guide

DadInfo has, during the time that I've needed it, been a great source of information and comfort. I've often found solace in knowing that I'm not the only person going through this and whilst I've not always got the answers I wanted to hear, there are few other resources for fathers to be able to communicate and understand what's happening.

Legal aid has pretty much all but ended apart from the rare few who manage to get it. Legal advice is almost impossible to obtain - if you can't afford a solicitor, the best you can hope for is a 30 minute session with a solicitor, who ultimately are really offering the service in order for you to recruit them and pay them a lot of money. When court hearings are months in between and the whole process can take years, 30 minutes is as good as useless.

I was wondering if between us, we could compile some kind of post that would give more help in the realms of where dads stand legally and what to expect from the court process from start to finish. A booklet or an online guide (rather than a single post) would be even better. Some things I think should be included are...

1) What fathers should do when they are initially separated - covering things from how they can apply for legal aid if necessary, whether or not to record events and to what extent those recordings should be done (false allegations are a reality and understanding how to deal with animosity from a once loving partner), fathers facing homelessness or what their legal rights are with regard to finding alternative accomodation (charities that can help, councils, renting, etc).

2) How to start the court process with mediation and an explanation of what to expect overall - how long cases are likely to take, the costs involved, an explanation of who cafcass are and what they do. Again, whether recording cafcass or social services is an option. What to expect from solicitors and a guide to understanding how to approach them, what questions to ask, how to avoid huge expenses and cope with some things yourself, etc.

3) Understanding the court process itself, what your legal rights are both in terms of parental responsibility and overall with the courts. What to expect from the courts and what their obligations are - for example in providing court orders, dealing with queries, how to present yourself in court and what to expect from solicitors and barristers on either side and what to expect from judges. Whether you have a right to question cafcass' decisions and how you should go about ensuring that you have the ability to do so. The same with questioning your ex partner and any witnesses that are present. When can witnesses give evidence, etc.

4) What to expect from cafcass throughout the whole process - interviews, section 7 reports, guardians, section 37's etc. Organisations that can help, such as PSU, families need fathers, childlawadvice, family rights group, etc.

5) Understanding position statements and forms - which ones are relevant to certain stages of the court procedure, appeal processes, amendments to existing orders, applications to submit evidence, etc. Understanding if you can submit evidence at a later date and what your rights are to have that evidence admitted in court.

6) The pros and cons of self representing or vice versa.

These are in no particular order and I'm just thinking off the top of my head here - other ideas would be welcome from other members. I appreciate that it's an overwhelming task to try and accomplish but it would be a great resource for fathers to have at hand. Often stress and depression can result in dads not seeking answers or not even thinking of the right questions to ask.

I also think it would be helpful if we could approach this realistically with a view to understanding how the system is biased in favour of mothers - the lack of action taken against them when they make allegations, or fail to adhere to court orders. We all know it's happening and whilst I appreciate that DadInfo would not like to be seen as radical in any way, being realistic is the only way that we can truly help dads to be a part of their children's lives. Perhaps anonymous points of view from fathers who have been through the mill could be included. But also fathers who have received favourable outcomes and how they got there would be good. We all like to hear about the rare successes too.

It would also be great if we could receive help from solicitors or barristers who know the processes and could offer assistance.

Thoughts anyone.