Final hearing, please help

[happysingledad]

<span style=”caret-color: #1a1919; color: #1a1919; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: #fbfbfb;”>please can anyone advise on what happens at a final hearing? Is there cross examination or does the panel only review statements and gives decision? If carcass has decided no need for section 7 does carcass even attend? Will their initial recommendations be mentioned? Any help would be appreciated..many thanks</span>

[tprice1974]

From my understanding and experience, the final hearing is the time when decisions are made and court orders are drawn up. Cross examination occurs at a contested hearing, which is what I definitely wanted to avoid and it didn’t go that far with me.

There was a lot of to-ing and fro-ing between solicitors and negotiation and compromise. The advice solicitor have me was to agree to any contact with my children that was offered and over time that contact will increase. Your children will make the decision in the end, and even though they may not belle enough to have a voice in court, your ex-partner will have to take notice of them.

My advice would be to always remain polite, courteous and extremely pleasant towards your ex-partner and her family. Even this seems impossible to do! Children tend to side with the “nice” parent not the “bitchy” parent.

If there’s been no s7 report, it appears you will encounter few problems with contact. We had a s7 report which came out overwhelmingly in my favour.

Anything else you want to know, please ask!

[Greenfingers]

Hi tprice1974,

when a s7 has been done, did you feel having a solicitor present beneficial at the final hearing? I’ve had a solicitor present for all hearings but she’s now left the company, I have her contact details if needed but was considering going alone for the final hearing. Cafcass will be present and I did wonder about saving some cash. What would your advice be considering your experience? Thanks

[tprice1974]

I had a solicitor and I was glad I did. It cost me a lot of money (£13.5K for 7 months of court proceedings).  It it was worth it to.right – and win – against the allegations that my ex-wife was bringing against me. I was able to clear my name. Having a solicitor means that you don’t have to take a front seat in what is an incredibly emotional time for you. If you do instruct asolicitor, my advice would be to limit communications with your solicitor for anything but absolutely vital communications. For example, a solicitor charges for all.emails, telephone calls etc. It soon adds up.

At all costs, do whatever to avoid a contested hearing. Agree to any contact your ex-wife suggests. Believe me, your children will make their own decision and your contact will increase. He the better person. It will pay off for you.

 

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