We have a court date - what happens next?

[Gertruude]

So we finally have a date for our first hearing. I asked the SW and in their usual fashion I was drip fed info that only our SW attends this hearing - and potentially the BPs if they wish to oppose.

I'm wondering what happens next in terms of a) if BPs do oppose and b) if they don't.

I don't know what the process is after this and how long things generally take to progress. So any insight / experience would be appreciated.

I can ask our SW but it will take them so long to respond with another drip feed I though you MNs might be more helpful!

TIA

in their usual fashion I was drip fed info

You can ring the court for updates. I found them more helpful than our SW.

I don't know what the process is after this and how long things generally take to progress.

Assuming it's unopposed (usually is) it is generally one or two hearings and a few months. Our first took 7 months, most are quicker. Delays can be caused by the judge asking for more info from SWs or by BPs opposing. Neither are cause for any concern (in almost every case), they just cause delays.

Thanks @donquixotedelamancha what are the other court dates for exactly? Several months is a lot longer than I was hoping but I'm pretty patient by this stage!

Several months is a lot longer than I was hoping but I'm pretty patient by this stage!

Unlikely to be that long if you are in England, depends on individual area.

what are the other court dates for exactly?

Well IANAL and have never been but my understanding is that it's mostly checking the reports from the SWs, so the reason for a second hearing might be (for example) because the judge directs the SW to have one more go at contacting a missing BP.