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I'm going through a difficult separation from my daughters mother. Out final hearing regarding me having overnights for our 8 year old daughter is coming up. Cafcass are in the process of doing a wishes and feelings report. At my interview I was asked if I had completed a parenting plan. I have not done this because I was under the impression it was collaborative and there is no communication between me and the ex. He then went on to say that my ex had and had alleged domestic abuse.
I'm very happy to defend myself against this false allegation, one of many in recent times, but wonder how best to proceed. Should I complete a parenting plan solo or contact Cafcass again. Not sure how to proceed. I don't want to appear as though I couldn't care, or as though I have something to hide, or to make any strategic mess up in the run up to the final hearing.
I would do it on your own. It really helped me to structure my thoughts and feelings about what I actually wanted. There may even be some similarities between your plan and you daughters mothers which may help improve communication. Anything you can do to show you are a caring, involved father (which i am sure you are) will surely help.
It doesnt take long and you can do it online these days
Hi there
Parenting plans are obviously improved with collaboration, but as MisterLeeches says, it will help you to consolidate your thoughts and feelings into a more coherent form.
Here's another link to a sticky about CAFCASS and other plans with ideas and templates
http://www.dad.info/forum/legal-eagle/38959-cafcass-parenting-plan
If you decide to complete a plan make sure you provide copies to your ex, or her solicitor if she has one, CAFCASS, and file a copy with the court, attaching it to a covering letter explaining that CAFCASS had enquired about it and informed you that the respondent had completed one and although you have not received a copy of it, you felt it appropriate to lodge yours with the court.
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