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Hello, I thought I would post this as I would like a bit of advice
I have my first hearing tomorrow (directions hearing) as a have applied access to have contact with my children
I am going without my solicitor, and just wondered if anyone could tell me what to expect
But more importantly- what's expected from me? Do I need a position statement? Or could I just write a few things down about my application to put forward at court, keeping in brief?
Thanks in advance
Hi Jonathan
Good luck for tomorrow.
If you can type a brief position statement, it can help you when attending alone.
You need to take 3 spare copies, one for the other party, one for the judge and a spare for Cafcass if they are in attendance.
You just need to offer some brief information (try to keep to 2 pages) - a bit of background, when you separated and why. What the arrangements with the children were and why these have broken down and what you would like the court to eventually order.
If there's no contact happening at present, you can also ask the court to consider an interim order.
It isn't as daunting as it seems attending alone and we are all behind you.
Wishing you the best of luck
Let us know how you get on.
Best wishes
Hi,
Ye good luck for tomorrow dude ive done this twice.
From personal experience not much happens in the quick 15 minutes your're there, the court decides what direction it needs to go and will more than likely ask cafcass to get involved for safeguarding.
Yoda mentions an interim contact order, yes very well worth asking for but dont get your hopes up, judges dont tend to hand them out easily, if the mother agrees then great but as your're going to court to get contact i doubt she will.
As stated, these hearings arnt as daunting as they sound, you will be fine and i get you get contact soon.
Paul
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