[Solved] Directions Appointment

Hello ARBM,

From my experience the directions appointment is for the Court/judge to decide which path your case goes down. This is weighted heavily on what the Cafcass officer suggests in there report, after your one hour visit.

My scenario was that Cafcass said a full report was needed due to allegations of domestic violence. I'm one year in and my final hearing has almost arrived.

Advice I can give you is as follows -

1. Prepare yourself for a slow and painful process.
2. Don't think the Cafcass officer is your best friend, if you feel the hour went well. I've experienced and read of many cases where what's written in the report has shocked the individuals.
3. You will face lies.. don't let them get you down.
4. There will be hurdles put in front of you along the way. Jump one at a time and remember your end goal.

All the best and good luck.

This might help...

http://www.familylaw.co.uk/system/uploads/attachments/0008/5097/PD_12B_CAP.pdf

The directions letter you've received is quite normal, the court are looking for some agreement from you both before deciding what direction the case will take. On the morning of the hearing it's usual for CAFCASS to get you and the other party together to try and reach some agreement, hence arriving an hour in advance.

It doesn't however require agreement between you both at this meeting,, so don't feel pressured to accept something that you're not happy with.

You should still have a telephone interview with CAFCASS before the hearing, in time for them to produce what's called a Schedule 2 letter, a very basic report designed to tell the court about any history of safeguarding issues and what you both would like to happen.

All the best

Thank you Gjl2016. And also for sharing your path.
I have read several reviews about CAFCASS in a similar vein to yours.
My situation is that mother of my son is threatened by his relationship with my wife and therefore has stopped him from coming over. Any checks that cafcass conducts on me will come back clean, I am full-time employed, no criminal records and have always paid maintenance on time for the last 6 years.
I have taken him overseas for a weekend and brought him back safely.
All I want is to see him every other weekend Fri-Mon, 2 weeks in summer/half term and take him for overseas holidays during my time, whenever I can afford it.
I don't know how cafcass will deal with a situation like mine. Any ideas?

Mojo - thank you for your advice and link too. Do I need to have a position statement for this meeting? If we can agree, can this be the only court visit?

One more question, please - do I have to complete a C2 before the court Appointment? Thanks.

It can be helpful for the court to have a very brief position state,plenty to give them a better idea of your situation, just a couple of pages with a little background, the issues and what you would like the court to do.

The C2 form is used to make further applications under the same case, or to ask for another party to be added to the proceedings. Is there something else you want to apply for?

No there's no one else to add to the application or to make any further applications at this stage.
Just hoping I get to see my son soon as it's now been 8 weeks and I miss him.
Will work on a position statement ahead of the court date at the end of this month. Thank you.

You're welcome, if you have any further questions, please don't hesitate t ask.