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Cafcass

2 replies

SiempreDot · 17/09/2019 19:07

This has probably been done to death but I really need some positive stories about cafcass not being the be all and end all in family court.

I'm filled in a CA1 form as part of court proceedings and detailed harassment, bombarding me with hand delivered letters lurking outside my house, taking DS without consent and not giving him back, telling DS i don't want him. I had my Cafcass phone call today. I wasn't expecting her to pander to me and say how terrible he is, I just expected to be listened to and my account noted.

Instead, she met every concern I raised by countering it with my ex partner's response in a way that went well beyond just encouraging me to self reflect. It got to the point where everything I said was met with an objection that wasn't even your 'ex partner said xyz' but almost posing it as her own opinions. I don't think this was fair at all, not least because she'd spoke to him first so there was no way she could have done the same thing.

When I raised the harassment and stalking she said 'people don't change at that age so you'll just have to accept it'. The only time she expressed any kind of outrage was when I said I occasionally breastfeed when my son (aged just turned 3) is anxious after separation and she told me this is completely inappropriate and unacceptable parenting.

I feel completely despondent know like what's the point of laws and training on subtle forms of abuse when it doesn't matter if people just ignore it or tell you to just accept it. Anyone had any experience of this? Can barristers cut through these assumptions in court? Could I complain? What's best to do?

Thanks

OP posts:
Doyoumind · 17/09/2019 19:11

I've been to court several times and my experience of them hasn't been great, I have to say. They were dismissive of most of what I reported. There was one small way in which they were helpful and that was one particular person on one occasion. I felt extremely let down at other times.

I know other people have more positive stories and if you have a good barrister they will hopefully put a strong case forward for you on the actual day.

RedHelenB · 18/09/2019 22:41

I think if you're using breastfeeding of a year old to limit contact it may not go down too well .

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