Cafcass

[octobersunshine]

Does anyone know whether CAFCASS has the authority to request full GP or medical history? I've had recurring depression although usually managed and no way interferes with parenting. But ex is likely to pursue contact through the courts and I'm worried this will be raised if they are allowed access to my medical records.

No. They can't. The court could order it though. If you fail to produce it adverse inferences could be made.

If ex is after contact your medical history is unlikely to be relevant.

Only judge can.
They openly know I suffer with a mental health condition because I told them before he did. I am full time resident parent.

If ex is after contact your medical history is unlikely to be relevant.

You'd think, but that assumes critical thinking. Since most cases are before lay magistrates, they tend to order medical disclosure "because It's been raised". And no regard to whether it has any relevance to the questions they are to determine, or regard to the fact that GP time will get squandered in writing pointless letters.

Frustrating!

The court should only order a letter from the GP setting out mental health diagnosis, treatment, compliance, and prognosis. What they shouldn't order is disclosure of your whole records. That is invasive and disproportionate.

It costs £50 - £60 typically for a gp letter so make sure he bears or shares that.

Lay magistrates and critical thinking are not easy bedfellows(!)