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Video or phone court hearings: practical tips on how to prepare
In this guide we give you our practical tips on what to do before the hearing starts so you feel prepared.
What does a judge's clerk do?
Judges usually have a court clerk to help them at every court hearing.
Hearings in a court building: practical tips on how to prepare
In this guide we give you our practical tips on what to do before the hearing starts so you feel prepared.
The day before a hearing: how to prepare
In this guide, we share our tips on things you could do the day before a hearing to help you feel prepared and under control.
What is a Child Arrangements Order?
Child Arrangements Order are a type of court order made in children proceedings.
Who can apply for a Child Arrangements Order?
Some people need the court’s permission before making an application for a child arrangement order (“CAO”). Other people do not need permission, and can make the application for a CAO without that extra step.
What can go into court forms in Child Arrangements cases?
There are rules that restrict what information people can put into court forms, documents and letters that go to court in child arrangement cases.
Accessing resources, advice and support with child arrangements
Before going to court, everyone with disagreements about the arrangements for their children are expected to try and sort their issues out another way, if it is safe to do so. There are court rules called Practice Directions and one of these practice directions gives detail of some of the resources that should be used before starting court proceedings
What are Cafcass and Cafcass Cymru?
Cafcass stands for Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service. In England the body is called Cafcass and in Wales there is Cafcass Cymru. (We refer to them both as Cafcass in this guide to make it easier to read).
How to prepare for negotiation meetings or hearings
The court expects people to try to reach agreement before going to court. Also there is usually a big focus during the life of a court case about whether agreement can be reached before a judge has to decide the outcome.
What is Parental Responsibility?
Parental responsibility is a legal concept which is defined in the Children Act 1989 (which is a law created by Parliament) as: “all the rights, duties, powers, responsibilities and authority which by law a parent of a child has in relation to the child and [their] property”
What is a parenting plan and how to create one
A parenting plan is a written agreement between co-parents about the practical arrangements for a child or children.
Questioning in court where there are allegations of domestic abuse
There is a law called the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 which stops someone accused of abuse from questioning the victim in court (where the victim is a party in a court case or a witness in a court case). This law also stops a victim of abuse from having to question in court the person accused of that abuse (in specific circumstances).
Can I get legal aid?
Legal Aid is when the government pays for you to have legal advice from a lawyer and / or to use a mediator.
What are direct access barristers and how do you find one?
It is possible for members of the public to use a barrister without also using a solicitor. For this to happen, the barrister needs to be a member of the Direct Access Scheme
What is non-court dispute resolution or NCDR?
Non-court dispute resolution (“NCDR”) means trying to agree family law issues away from court. The court expects you to have tried NCDR before you go to court, unless you have a very good reason not to. For example, if there has been domestic abuse.
What is mediation?
Mediation is one method for resolving family law disagreements. It is a voluntary process where a neutral third party (the mediator) tries to help you to reach agreement on whichever family law issue you have. It aims to help with open communication and cooperation.
What is arbitration?
Family law arbitration is like a private court process. In arbitration an impartial third party, known as an arbitrator, is given the power to decide the outcome of your family law disagreement.
What is neutral evaluation?
Neutral evaluation (sometimes called “early neutral evaluation”) is when an independent, qualified third party is asked to give their view on what a judge would probably decide if the case went to court.
What is collaborative law?
Under this process, you and your ex each appoint a “collaboratively trained” lawyer to represent you.
How to find a court’s contact details
If you are looking for the contact details of a court, we explain how you can find them.
How do I tell a child about a separation?
It is natural to worry about the best way to tell your child or children that you are separating. As their parent or carer you will probably have an instinct about how to deal with this, but many people don’t know where to start. Here are some things you might want to consider.
Where to find domestic abuse help
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, there are specialist charities that can provide support and assistance.
