Welcome to the DAD.Info forum: Important Information β open to read:
Our forum aims to provide support and guidance where it can, however we may not always have the answer. The forum is not moderated 24 hours a day, so If you β or someone you know β are being harmed or in immediate danger of being harmed, call the police on 999.
Alternatively, if you are in crisis, please call Samaritans on 116 123.
If you are worried about you or someone you know is at risk of harm, please click here: How we can help
Hello,Β
Β
Bit of a weird one, looking for some advice. Last year I began safeguarding my child (6 years old at time of writing) and applied to court to fix some issues. Reasons for safeguarding involve domestic violence, over-chastisement, and drug abuse as some of the major allegation (and have subsequently been found in a Fact Finding Hearing). There are physical and light-mental conditions of the Mother to consider (anxiety, arthritis, fibromyalgia, etc.)
Β
Fortunately for a Dad, I have always had 50/50 of our child after leaving the Mother when the child was ~1.5 years old, except for two short-term occasions of 7-days per week full-time in my care, reduced time (Mother-imposed) at the end of 2018, and the child spent majority of time in my care in 2020 through extra time in addition to 50/50. The Mother has a history of struggling with the children and requesting ad-hoc help. This is my 2nd time back at court (gained 50/50 through negotiation on the first day in 2019). The child has experienced a few different primary schools already thanks to Mother's instability and is now settled in a school near me with friends, party invites, playdates, and doing well academically especially post-lockdowns.Β
Β
The child has two siblings of two other Fathers, one 10+ and the other newly born who currently live with the Mother. The newborn's Father has also applied for a C100/C1A and is awaiting S.7. The 10+ child's Father has ceased his application and the child will continue living with the Mother. After stating she would like a return to 50/50 and has no issues with my parenting, the Mother now argues - after reading my evidence and proposed living arrangements - that she should now have all 3 children full-time in her care and that I should only see the child fortnightly for two nights. In addition, the Mother is making multiple, unfounded, assumptive claims and accusations about myself. Nothing serious - yet - but still disruptive to gaining a full picture of our child's wellbeing and future.
Β
Does anyone have any advice for Section 7? I am incredibly anxious, as an example, that it may be recommended the child should should move to her Mother's and spend time with other siblings and move school, despite the progress we have made so far.Β
Β
Thanks in advance guysΒ
hi,
I would suggest for section 7 interview, be very calm and child-focused. you could mention that child has moved school multiple times while in mothers care, which was very disruptive for childs education. but now child is settled and very stable at school and you don't want there to be further disruption for her. can mention the findings that were made by court, regarding abuse/allegations etc. can tell them your work is very flexible, so there would be no issues with you caring for child and doing school runs.Β
also recommend you complete their parenting plan and mention this at interview:
I hope it goes well for you, but ultimately cafcass can decide whatever they think is in child's best interests and in most cases the courts like to go with their recommendation. you could dispute their report if any disagreements with it, or try negotiate with ex.
@bill337 That's fantastic advice, thank you!
@leeisadadΒ πΒ more tips here for interview: http://www.thecustodyminefield.com/flapp/tipsmeetingcafcass.html
Welcome to the DAD.info forum.
We donβt like to set βrulesβ, but to make sure that you and the other dads are kept safe, we have some requests. When engaging with the forum, please be aware of the following:
- The forum is not moderated 24 hours per day.
- Many of the moderators do so on a voluntary basis. Whilst they may be able to provide some guidance, advice or support, they may not be able to deal with specifics.
- We are not an emergency crisis service so if you or someone else is in immediate danger, please call emergency services.
- If you are concerned about the safety of a child, please click here to find the support you can get for them (link to new page)
- If you are in crisis, please call Samaritans on 116 123. They are open 24 hours a day, 7 days per week.
We hope you find this forum a supportive environment and thank you for joining us.