position statement for child arrangements

[awana]

Hi there,
Can anyone advise on a position statement template as a defendant for contact arrangements?
Many thanks in advance.

No need for a template.

Start with the case number and names of the parties and the child.

Then state that it is the Position Statement of the Respondent Mother or Father or Grandmother or whoever.

Then write no more than 2 sides of paper, in numbered paragraphs, saying what you suggest should happen about contact and very briefly why.

This is not the time or place for detailed historical explanations, or any he said-she said stuff.

Something like this:

"I agree with the recommendations that Child's Father should see her every other weekend, but I do not accept that there should be staying contact yet because Child is too young. I am willing to review this after 6 months of successful visiting contact. I suggest that Child's Father collects Child from outside Asda at 10.00 on Saturdays and drops her back at 5pm outside my house".

or

"I do not accept that Child should spend time with the Applicant Grandmother because I am unable to trust the Applicant to keep Child safe. The evidence for this is in the reports from CAFCASS where it is recorded that Grandmother let Child cross busy roads alone and left her at home alone to go out and get milk".

or whatever applies in your case.

That's very helpful, many thanks