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Today I had my first hearing. The judges left me waiting for 2.5 hours and saw us an hour before closing time.
I was in court for about 10 minutes the judge just said they wanted to do a section 7 report and see you on the 11th September.
My ex was behind a screen with her mother? The judges didn't want to hear anything I had to say and said they are sticking with Caffcass recommendation for letter contact and my ex needs to give me a letter from her doctor within 6 weeks outlining her mental health issues.
Is it normal for some random Cafcass officer to be present and not the one who interviewed me?
Can I appeal the first hearing or do I need to just grim and bare until September.
Thanks in advance.
Just found the answer to one of my questions in your other post...you have indirect contact until the next hearing, it may seem like a very small step, but it is in the right direction.
If, for whatever reason, the original CAFCASS Officer isn’t available, it’s quite normal for another to be present.
The first hearings are often immensely unsatisfying and usually of short duration. Hold firm and set your sights on the next hearing, hopefully you have been given an opportunity to provide a statement.
Courts always allow 3 months for the preparation of an S7 it can take up to 16 weeks to prepare as its an in-depth report, unlike the basic S2.
Patience will be your ally right now... all the best
Thanks
for me, cafcass said it would take 8-9 weeks for S7 report.
The judge said to me 11th September it was all quick and the judges to me seemed like they just wanted to go home.
It can often seem that way at the start of proceedings, they usually won’t commit, or look into the case until all the reports/investigations have been done.
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