Preliminary hearing soon

[CompletelyUnknown]

What should we expect? It’s contested and and a non disclosure. I don’t want them to know what we look like if/when we go. What happens at this hearing to ensure this?

I know what birth father looks like that’s all. Luckily he has no idea about us.

I hope it get to the day and they decide to not to contest. Has this happened to anyone?

[constantnc]

Adoptive parents are not invited to these hearings.
Only sw and birth parents.
You will only be invited to the celebration hearing once you have the adoption order.

[anxious123]

I attended all my birth son's court hearings up to and including the AO hearing it's self and not once were his adoptive parents present.

It was essentially a square table with the judge at the head so not a typical court room with screens and stuff.

[CompletelyUnknown]

Well the letter sounds like we are expected to go. That’s what’s confusing me. I thought we wouldn’t go until it was all finalised. Could that all change of birth parents decide at the last minute not to contest? Just to clarify I’m in Scotland, not sure if that makes a difference. It also said in the letter they will let us know nearer the time whether or not to bring LO.

[Thepinklady77]

Being in Scotland does change things. When posting on these boards and wanting specific advice about procedures and legislation always clarify your location ie Scotland/England etc so people can advise you correctly. The procedures in Scotland and Northern Ireland are quite different from England. Hopefully someone from Scotland will be along soon to advise.

[Jellycatspyjamas]

It does change things, the adoption may well be formalised at the preliminary hearing if there's no challenge by the birth parents and yes, you should go. To my knowledge there isn't a celebration hearing in Scotland. Your solicitor will be able to advise on whether it's appropriate to take your DC, we won't because I know the court ours is being heard at and I wouldn't want them there.

[Jellycatspyjamas]

Sorry, I just saw it is being contested, your solicitor will be able to advise on any measures in place to avoid the birth parents seeing you but there's always the chance even outside of the court depending on the size of court, other hearings etc.

[constantnc]

sorry yep scotand = no idea!

[Daisy151]

Hiya completely we're in Scotland pm me if u want and I can explain what happened. We also had non disclosure and were worried that BP's may make an appearance. Don't worry too much you don't have to go. And if you do you can wait outside to be called in if BP's don't turn up. You won't be expected to be there if they do. At least I'd seriously doubt it.

[CompletelyUnknown]

Sorry for the lack of reply my phone died (stupid iPhone update) thanks for your advice. @Daisy151 I’ll give you a pm.