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Cafcass

2 replies

MrsPotts17 · 16/12/2017 10:47

I posted a few weeks ago about my DH taking his ex to court for non compliance of a child contact order. He has asked for the current order to be vacated and for a new one to be issued with more specific access stated within it.

So Cafcass rang yesterday for a pre arranged appointment and said that because DH's ex has witheld their son for nearly 4 years now then they may recommend no contact except for letters for up to 12 months then review it. Then they made him aware that his ex has no obligation to inform his DS that his father has written to him, show him the letters or even reply to them.

Since she cut contact DH has written to her every single month (all recorded delivery with proof of receipt and her signature) and she won't reply. He bumped into her by chance a few weeks ago and she quite literally turned and ran away.

There are no safeguarding issues, no domestic issues, no allegations of abuse or neglect etc. Can cafcass really influence the judge for no contact? How is this in the child's interest?

The reason why DH has avoided court for so long is because his ex is a self harmer with profound mental health issues. He did not want to risk her hurting herself or their child as she has often threatened in the past whenever he has mentioned court. She makes malicious calls to his place of work to try to make him lose his job. If he lost it then he would not be able to pay his monthly CMS or support his other child. Cafcass are even aware of this but choose to ignore it.

Has anyone had similar experiences with cafcass?

OP posts:
BubblesBuddy · 16/12/2017 18:15

I think prh advised you a couple of weeks ago that it might be indirect contact first. Cafcass are working for the child, not you. Unless you have now appointed a barrister you are on the back foot in dealing with these issues that are painful and difficult to resolve. You still need a professional to guide you through this and it should not cost £15,000. A day in court with prep is way cheaper than that so you need to talk to your solicitor about getting advocacy. It was always likely Cafcass would say this and you knew that. You need to accept that you need help to put your views on contact to the court, or you could accept what Cafcass have said, which is at least a start.

Tinselistacky · 16/12/2017 18:18

Please see a solicitor. Cafcass are ime complete numpties.

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