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Separated in October 2020 and by November I had filed for a C100. I knew that the ex would seek to punish me by cutting off all contact with the kids. Since separating I've not even spoken to them which is so tough it is beyond words.
Initially the ex said she wanted to mediate and I so I set this up and have offered to fund all of it but she hen changed her mind and refused to attend hence the C100. She then got a solicitor to write to me telling me not to go to the house, so I'm now stuck out in the cold waiting on progress through the courts or go round and she will call the police and seek to get some sort of record on me that she so desperately wants.
She has even gone onto make allegations which from reading others experiences on here is pretty predictable and it is hard not to see that as a move for financial gain. However, I have no record, there is no record of social care intervention etc and no evidence to support them. I discussed them with a barrister and solicitor and their view was they would be thrown out by the court. For example, some are seriously trivial stuff like not paying for mobile phone contracts.
The reason for my question here is this: the court advised they are operating differently due to COVID and so are giving directions on paper. The safeguarding letter was shared with the court only which at the time I thought was odd. Then the court said about the allegations and directed Scott schedules and a response, which was done. I've been chasing the courts for week to get some progress on the case and list for a hearing, anything to try and move things on.
The latest from the court is they have responded saying the case is listed for a 1 hour DRA....in 12 weeks time! I thought maybe this was time for a S7 report but there is no mention of it on the order. Just two sentences. Is this good news or bad news? Doesn't a DRA come after a fact-find so does that mean there won't be one? I also filed a C2 asking for an interim contact order, maybe it's for that? I feel like this is such a nightmare working with the scraps the court throws out.
Please could anyone help by sharing their experience or view on a similar scenario? Thanks
hi,
the DRA happens if there is no agreement reached at 1st hearing, or there is safeguarding concerns. Usually if court want a S7 report, then it is done in time for the 2nd hearing DRA. unfortunately the hearings are delayed a lot due to covid situation. usually its a 2-3 month wait for a hearing date.
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