Jury Service

[Rufus27]

Has anyone successfully appealed against doing jury service because of childcare commitments? I am a nearly SAHM (work 0.3 when DP has the children) and would genuinely not be able to get adequate childcare, but I am not sure if this is a valid reason?

So as not to drip feed:

• children are under three and don’t get on well together; family would struggle to manage them for an extended period of time
• both are adopted and still building attachments with us
• DS has attachment disorder and struggles to regulate himself even in my short absence

-DD has additional needs

• my Dad died suddenly less than two months ago so I’m also having to support my Mum
• Dad’s Celebration of Life ceremony is on one of the jury service days

-DP works irregular shifts, often being away from home for 2-3 days at a time and can be called out at short notice.

Are these reasonable grounds to appeal? I haven’t a clue, but am v worried about the impact on DS.

Sounds like a realistic request and I've seen it accepted for less, you have nothing to lose.

Thanks, that’s reassuring. From the tone of the ‘summons’ they sent today, I didn’t think I had a hope!

Sorry for your loss. I can't see them forcing you to attend if you have your own father's funeral, aside from any of the other reasons!

I’m very sorry for your loss. I think you will be highly likely to be excused if you write back and explain what you said in your post. (I wouldn’t say your children don’t get on well together though). Best wishes

I normally see people try to get out of Jury Service and tell them they've got no change but I honestly think you have more than good enough reason.
They will probably say they have postponed it but I doubt they will ask again in the near future. Just write what you did there.

Thank you all for your reassurances. I was in a right panic when I received the letter earlier. Don’t think I can take much more stress at the moment. I will write an honest letter tomorrow and hope for the best. I am pretty sure social services would back up my points as they’re very aware of the children’s difficulties.

Yes, I was excused. I am a sahm with no childcare and no family nearby. I was also heavily pregnant at the time with really bad back problems and hyperemesis. I explained this in the letter I sent back and was excused.

Don't worry I'm sure they'll just release you from it, my DH got excused because we had a holiday booked, and someone I work with got excused because we worked in a small company and the manager wrote a letter to say she was the only person who did that role and they needed her at work. Your reasons seem completely valid.

My brother got out of it completely because he has a medical condition needing regular treatment. He deferred the first time but then things deteriorated and he needed an operation so he was excused. Your reasons are different so it’s hard to say. Technically, you could overcome them but it’s hard. Hopefully you’ll get it sorted 👍

I've seen someone get out of jury service because he was "caring" for his elderly DM... Who lived 200 miles away.

I'd be shocked if you didn't manage to avoid it

Add in that you can approach social services and supply evidence to support what you are saying.
So sorry you’ve lost your dad. It tough isn’t it ? There’s a great thread ‘support for anyone coping with loss of parent’ (or similar) which has given lots of support to a lot of us going through similar.
I’d say you have a strong and compelling reason to delay jury service for some time at the least.

I successfully applied for deferral of Judy service due to lack of childcare so it is possible.

you've been through so much...you will be fine..x x

I am sure the reasons you listed will be acceptable for a deferral. You sound like you have more than enough on your plate atm. Good luck OP.