Final Hearing

hi,

if your still waiting on the Cafcass report, if they are late then better to chase it up with them. Based on what contact they are recommending in report, you can decide on what to write in your statement and discuss in court. Did you ask for 50/50?

1. @bill337 I'm due my meeting next week for court the following week. At my last report, I was very happy with recommendations. Since then I've felt like shes just alienating him and Cafcass did mention they need to investigate in my last call with them. They e spoken to school today apparently too. Didn't know how to approach it at my interview? How do people do 50/50 whilst working? 

What was your previous contact arrangements ?  A 50-50 arrangement wouldnt be possible if you are working . You would need to do school runs etc for starters . drop off in morning to school and pick ups from school

My previous arrangements were back from 2016, these are long out the window now. I have general concerns about my son and wanted to know how the best way to raise these are. 

Cafcass have also requested that they direction for them to attend the final hearing is held remotely? Does this mean the whole hearing could be held remotely?

Yes seems like whole hearing will be remotely heard

I wouldnt be raising general concerns about your son as its likely to go against you. What you would need to do is work out when exactly you are able to have your son as it isnt going to be 50-50. You could say something like i was seeking 50-50 ,but i realise this isnt workable do propose this instead etc. Would your boss give you time off during week, late start or early finish couple of times a week ?

I'm due to start a new job the Monday after court as my current job wouldn't even allow me to finish early for my phone calls with there being a problem! I'd have to speak to my new boss and see what he is able to accommodate.

School gave raised concerns to me and been trying to contact Cafcass, Cafcass have also used the term "alienation" and said they need to investigate further.

What can I expect for a final hearing? Same as others? I've started preparing position statement, is there anything else?

@warwickshire1this sounds less nerve racking as I'm representing myself.

Addendum report fully supported the original recommendations... No change except length of time between each step changes slightly!

Very happy! But how straight forward will final hearing go.... I fully agree, can already predict she wont... There is nothing to cross examine either as she made no further allegations, so wonder what she'll pull out the hat next!!

@antdad thats great news. court like go with Cafcass recommendations like 9/10. so if you agree to everything then it should be easy hearing for you. If your ex is not happy with recommendations she will probably try negotiate with you. but if you don't agree, then be firm and stand your ground. then all they can do is plead with court to decide. Court may expect both parents to be reasonable and compromise.

Final hearing should be very straight forward. You accept the recommendations in addendum report. Which makes your case more solid is that it backs up the original recommendations . You dont need to cross examine the otherside either or challenge the report in anyway.

Ex partner may want you cross examined , but if she is represented they may advise its a waste of time due to now 2 reports recommending the same. what you could do before final hearing is fine tune your final order. are special days shared, school holidays sorted out ..times/handovers etc basically making it water tight and stopping it being manipulated by ex in anyway best you can