FAMILY COURT ADVICE helps any parent who is having difficulty in seeing their children for whatever reason, and who would otherwise have to pay the full costs of legal advice. The very word "court" strikes fear into many people; it needn't.
Family courts in England and Wales are well aware of the horrendous costs involved in solicitors and barristers fees, and are there to help your children see you - not to see how clever you are. There is no requirement in law to have a solicitor or barrister in court to fight your case for you, and the vast majority of parents, with appropriate help and guidance, can quite easily represent themselves in the court process. For a one off fee which represents a tiny fraction of solicitors costs, this help and guidance is provided by FAMILY COURT ADVICE.
Who would benefit from the work of family court advice?
Mainly fathers because they tend to be the absent parents, but I do help mothers and grandparents where there are problems. Fathers who are told they cannot see their children, or can only see them when it is suitable for the mother. Fathers who were never married, and whose ex partners totally refuse them access. Fathers who have not seen their children for many years for whatever reason. Fathers who want parental responsibility. Fathers whose ex partners think they own the children. Fathers who think the children should live with them. Mothers who are in the situation of being the non resident parent and who want to see their children.
Grandparents who have been cut off from seeing their grandchildren.
Parents who are working, who would not be eligible for legal aid but who would resent paying £200 plus per hour to a family solicitor for work which, with appropriate advice and help, they can quite easily do themselves.
Parents who want to be in charge of the case, who are prepared, with help and guidance throughout the proceedings, on filling out the appropriate forms, on choosing the right court, and on what to say and do and expect, to take their own case to court and speak and negotiate for themselves. The route is different - the result the same. Children reunited with parents.
What work do we do together?
The first - and in some ways most crucial - task is for us to sit down together for maybe two to three hours – or longer if necessary, and go through all that has happened to bring you to the situation you are now facing. I explain the options for moving forward and making progress, the difficulties and pitfalls that lie ahead, and we work out together what results various approaches would bring.
I would, if it was felt appropriate by you, contact your ex partner to see if there was any possibility of a signed agreement prior to going to court. If this was a possibility I would draw up a suitable agreement for joint signature.
For the Court Process, if matters have gone too far for mediation to work, then I first of all supply and fill in all the appropriate court forms on your behalf. You then sign them, they go to the court and we then wait for the court date. About two weeks before the court date, I go through with you all that you need to know, say and do in court. I give you detailed written instructions. After the court it is important to let me know the result as soon as possible, and I then prepare you for a CAFCASS report if one is ordered, or I prepare draft and then final statements for you. Throughout the whole process, any problems that arise, you let me know and we deal with them, whether by letter, email or phone call, as appropriate. When the formal process is finished and you have a court order, together we keep a careful eye on whether or not it is adhered to by the other party, and you let me know immediately if there are any problems, and we deal with them as and when they crop up. All this work is included in the one set fee, and you are able to contact me at any stage of the proceedings for help and advice.
What can family court advice not do?
The advice I give is based on my experience as a family court welfare officer. I am strictly a family court advisor, not a solicitor, and I do not deal with the actual process of divorce, property or financial arrangements. I do not go into court with you - I help you to act for yourself.
What about confidentiality?
As a probation officer and court welfare officer, absolute confidentiality has always been vital in my work and remains so in FAMILY COURT ADVICE. The only occasion on which I would ever convey information to a third party would be if there were strong evidence of some form of child abuse or cruelty that came to my notice.
What are the advantages of using family court advice?
The most obvious but - at the end of the day - not necessarily the most important is the considerable saving in the cost of court proceedings, and the knowledge that, whatever work is required, it is covered by the one off fee. Many clients have, however, found that for the first time ever they have been able to discuss in depth, and with complete confidence a process that has been both painful and traumatising, but one where they can look to and plan for the future in a positive and realistic manner.
The parent using FAMILY COURT ADVICE is in charge; at no stage do I send a letter or prepare a single sentence without your prior approval. Also, at all times you are dealing with just one person. There is no - "sorry dearie, he left the practice last week, but our mr snodgrass has taken over. You could speak to his secretary - when she's back from the hairdresser". We meet when it suits you, and if that means evenings, weekends or holiday periods, then fine. The one fee covers all work, all letters, all discussions, statements and so on. It also includes the cost of travelling to see you within the United Kingdom or Ireland.
How do i get in touch?
The easiest is to contact me with a message left on this site. Otherwise, you can phone me on 01228 540 091 or 07900 883 694 (any time).
Whatever your choice of future action, I sincerely hope that for the sake of your children you and your ex partner are able to resolve the conflicts you are experiencing.
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