Final hearing or review hearing

[pinguthepenguin]

Hi, I hope someone can help me understand this.

My ex had me in court this month to change the way he sees our dd (5). We couldn't reach an agreement at the time and agreed to attend mediation and a course for sep.parents. It was also listed for a review hearing for 2 months time, which I assumed was to see if progress was made in mediation. However....I've now received a letter from the court detailing the outcome of the directions hearing, being referred to mediation etc, and it all looks pretty standard, except that it says it has been listed for a 'final hearing'?. I am confused. If ex and I do not make progress in mediation, what will happen at the final hearing? I thought the review hearing would allow us to feed back what has gone on and then list it for a final hearing if necessary?

I am worried that mediation between ex and I will not work and I'll be forced into accepting something at the final hearing. Any ideas why it's now no longer a review hearing and is a final one instead?
Thanks for any help.

pingu I can't answer your question. I think your solicitors office would be the best people to ask - but i didn't want your post to go unanswered!

As for being forced to accept a court order you're not happy with - thats the nature of the beast, I'm afraid. If parents can't agree, the court decided based on information it has gathered. Usually, neither parent is happy with the result.

You've still got mediation and the Separated Parents course to get through yet - both are excellent for helping parents in conflict move forward, so don't give up hope of an agreement yet!

Thanks Disney, I'm planning to try and get the most of mediation, just wondered what would happen if it's not successful. Also, can't see why it's been listed as a final instead of a review hearing, which is what the clerk originally said it would be.

Anyone else know the difference?

ring up the court, sounds like a mistake- happens all the time.

Thanks, can I just do that- ring them up? I'll try first thing. Hope it is a mistake, final hearing sounds scary:/