First hearing - Tips.

[rainbowshine1]

Hello :)

Im in court tomorrow for the first hearing for the kids. I dont have a solicitor and Ive never spoken to CAFCASS.

Any tips? Do's / Dont's

Do I need to take anything with?

Thanks

Do expect it to be postponed Take a drink and some sweets, and a newspaper. And go to the loo before you go in (generally everyone arrives at the same time and you just have to wait until you're called)

Does your Ex have a solicitor ?

What has happened IME is that the solicitors go in front of the judge and take his or her directions and then they'll come out and talk to their client and then talk to each other to see if agreement can be reached that way. My Ex is a litigant in person so he speaks directly to my solicitor.
If there are welfare issues, the judge will probably ask Cafcass to do whatever assessments are nessecary.

Thanks

Apparently he doesnt but I have a feeling he may arrive with one.

There are welfare issues and hopefully I'll have a social services report to take with me.