Directions hearing

[Notsureaboutthisbit]

I was given a court date, of 4 days away, for a directions hearing in a child arrangement case.

I'm the respondent and 2 days after I received the court bundle from my ex partners solicitor. It contains the c1a form alleging harm but I was never supplied this in the initial application papers served 30th August.

My question is, since the bundle prepared by his solicitor has added in that all parties should arrive 1 hour before for pre hearing discussions, but the courts document has not, do I HAVE to negotiate or talk with his solicitor and or barrister before this hearing?

I'm quite daunted and worried that contact orders will be given even though we're all awaiting the cafcass safeguarding report.

Anyone had any experience here and can provide any advice?

Thanks in advance!

Why would you not agree to talk to the applicant's representative? It is a discussion to see if you can agree on interim arrangements and directions going forward (statements, reports and other evidence).

You cannot expect to be involved in court proceedings without communicating with the other side.

It's normal to speak to the other side before a hearing. Ideally you can agree on something before the hearing and the judge just approves it and turns it into an order.

It will be held against you if you don't talk with them.

It will not be held against you if you don't speak to them. It's entirely your choice, but as Collaborate said it's just a discussion - you do not have to agree to anything, you can just listen to them and find out what they have to say. You are free to tell them that you've heard what they've said, but would like to see what the court has to say.

Don't be intimidated, the other side cannot force you to agree something you don't want - only the court can order you to do something.