Supporting statement family court

[unlurk85]

Hi I've been asked to make a supporting statement for someone for use in a family court custody hearing. Does anyone know whether I can do this anonymously? I'm happy to supply my name etc to the court, but For various reasons I don't want the other party to know I've made a statement. Thanks.

You can't do it anonymously. If there's a good reason for you not to disclose your address that should be OK. But anonymous? Never.

Hi thanks that's helpful. It's really difficult as I want to help my friend, but if her partner finds out I've made a statement he could react badly. I'm quite scared of him but there's nothing tangible for me to be able to speak to police about (I.e he's made no explicit threats against me). Anyway thanks for your help.

What do you mean by “supporting statement?” Because unless you turn up to court to be cross examined on it, which you obviously can’t do anonymously, it’s not really going to make much difference to your friend.

She's been told that in family court she can collect supporting character references which give a view on her parenting. He's trying to paint her as a bad mother. From what I've seen I don't think she is. I was willing to write a statement to that effect, but I'm concerned about repercussions as above.

If you’re concerned I wouldn’t do it. I have never known a court care less about such statements.

Ah ok thanks that's useful. Perhaps she's exaggerated the importance then, she seemed to be suggesting these statements would make up the substance of her argument.

Such statements are worthless.

I’ve rceently been through the court process - for years - and I’ve never had a supporting statement. The only references they will listen to are ones from social services / Cafcass - and these are only
Collected via orders made by the judge. X