Two questions

[octobersunshine]

Can people advise me

1. What a reasonable schedule is for a child who has never lived with dad?

1. What the court process is like. I.e do you get cross examined like in a criminal court or is literally Cafcass report, solicitor to solicitor, judge decides.

Thanks

Cross examined!

I have no idea what a reasonable schedule is for a child who has never lived with one parent. Currently going through the process myself!

It will depend on the age of the child and the relationship that exists despite never having lived with them. If there are no safeguarding issues the court will be keen to establish a strong relationship between the child and the father.

Mediation is the first step even if you don't pursue it. Even going to court you will be encouraged to agree as much as possible without the court's intervention. It isn't like a criminal court.

How old is the child? Does the child want to spend time with dad? Courts do take the child’s wishes into consideration.

No I wasn't cross examined. Found the judge very nice and fair actually. Cafcass was just a phonecall that lasted about 30mins.
My DC is 4 and sees his dad weekly for 24 hours - plus 2 phonecalls a week minimum. Plus we sorted out bank holidays, Christmas, Easter etc.

What is it you are concerned about?

Oh and with mediation - I found it useless because dcs dad only attended once and refused to engage. He wanted his day in court!