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Hello everyone,
I had been to the FHDRA in mid April and it was not bad as the judge seemed really fair and not biased at all. She asked now for Police disclosure and to see why local authority ignored my concerns with the evidence. Also, because there are allegations on both sides, she asked that a Scott Schedule with statements are done from from both sides, then to respond to allegations and we will have the Finding of Fact hearing some time in July.
I have asked for the barrister (the one that initially help me send application) to quote me on just doing the paperwork and I was astonished to be quoted £1800 just for the paperwork. I don't think I can afford that and even if I could, I don't think it is worth it; so I did not even bother to ask them to represent me and I am planning to keep representing myself etc. I am checking online and on here to do the SS, statement and respond to allegations myself although it seems a bit complex atm. I have now got the template for SS, but could anyone clarify how I have to send the evidence along with the statement? Is it just to name the files, attach them to the email and refer to it on SS and statements? if so the email might be 2 to 3 separate emails due to the size of the files, would that be OK?
Also, the judge asked me to send my evidence (recordings) to the ex's solicitor so she could draft an order and send the police disclosure request. That did not sound right to me, but I did and she sent me the draft and disclosure request before sending it to court and it seemed OK, so I am waiting for Court to send us the approved version.
The best bit so far, is that she ordered the mum to allow Zoom video calls twice a week for now, as she stopped it before that hearing; although I asked for direct contact, but I'm definitely happy with this for now and understand direct contact is almost impossible with the NMO in place.
When the judge asked me what I wanted I said a live with order but would not mind contact with there mom as much as possible and as long as my concerns(child abuse) are addressed accordingly.
Any additional advice going forward will be greatly appreciated and I will definitely keep you all posted.
Many thanks to you all again
Also, I have been considering using a McKenzie friend to help me with the paperwork and make sure I am doing things right. So do you have any recommendations for a good mackenzie friend, as there may be some people from here that do it.
To get a good one, you ideally need one local to you who is recommended. For that reason, it's probably worth going to your local families need fathers meeting and talk to dads there, hopefully they wil be able to recommend one.
@el_dad what you mentioned of £1800 quote for paperwork is quite ridiculous. when i was going through courts first time I had a barrister, £900 per hearing. he gave legal advice, represented me, did all the admin and drafted the order.
here is info on scott schedule and a template: https://childlawadvice.org.uk/scott-schedule/
Thank you @actd and @Bill337. That quote was definitely shockingly unexpected. I will check the link you sent, follow the advice here and do my homework online.
All replies are much appreciated!
Cheers
As actd says, possibly worth contacting Families Need Fathers. You can also google 'qualified lawyer McKenzie Friend' as there are one or two out there who are really very good and reasonably priced. Try to get a recommendation if you can.
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