Experiences of family court judges 👨‍⚖️ 👩‍⚖️ 🧑‍⚖️

[Light11]

Hello all,

I have had a handful of colourful experiences with judges (really wish that wasn’t the case) have any of you had any particularly good or particularly bad experiences?

Tell tell

Ive had a particularly bad experience. Found my judge didn't read any of my statement, but read pretty much all of my ex's. Ex lied in his statement something I proved in mine this was ignored.

But what I will say is that I did breach the order for safeguarding concerns, concerns with my DC's behaviour that has been witnessed by professionals. Because of this in think it was just easier to label me as a mother unable to promote contact, as opposed to a mother that has been emotional abused and continues to be. So to anyone going through this all I can say is, do everything by the book, even if you have safeguarding concerns unless a professional is willing that say in writing that they feel it is linked to contact and to cut contact. Not easy at all but I now find myself in a position where ex gets Dc 3/4 weekends including half of holidays until DC is in school.. so for the next 2.5 years.

Fortunately in my case the judge appeared to see through my ex's bs and was in agreement with what I went for (SI Order to take kids on holiday to Spain after ex refused consent. Represented myself with an empowering solicitor in the wings. Ex failed to show and had emailed me permission the day before but after years of gaslighting I wanted it rubber-stamping; I got a residence order thrown in)

I have read some horror stories on here but I can honestly say in my case it was a positive experience, in a non-threatening environment.

Almost every experience I’ve had in the family courts have been horrific. Unfortunately, it seems to be a common problem and no amount of anybody fighting it seemed to change it. As far cafcass, don’t get me started!!!

I've read a few having good judges, problem is they have to be good at reading people as most will be on their best behaviour during proceedings.

Like a previous pp my ex refused letting us go on holiday and got an si for that, ex repeatedly raised pso's against me and is currently trying to get permission to handover at my doorstep added to the order.. after previously having had forced entry several times. Still judge doesn't see through ex, that and ex had a shit hot barrister, as much as I dislike her even I have to admit she was good.

My first judge, in finding of fact saw everything...totally got what ex was like and also his parents who she told to "sit down you clearly love your sone very much" when they purjured themselves trying to prove how great he was...

unfortunately the 2 judges who presided over the case thereafter for contact were completely oblivious to his character (and appearently the preceding judgement)...

It's a mixed and unpredictable bag, I hope the next generation will be better versed in what an abusive relationship looks like and what harm is done. My days in court were hell...BUT in the end we got through...and it wasn't ever going to be sorted out in mediation...

good luck to everyone who has to do this. And remember"this too shall pass"

Dh has had the judge in his favour every time. Got what he requested and more! Told his ex her lies and selfishness wouldn't wash with him.
But we had a folder of info, evidence, call it what you wish.
She made the mistake of saying he wasn't having 'her' dc over night
Due to dh shifts and mine at the time he asked for eow 1 over night. The judge gave 3.
Plus half all holidays, alternative Xmas and birthdays.

His ex is starting to shine her colors through again so I can't see it being long before we build a case to have dsc here full time.

I've had my ex take me to court several times because he can't get over me ending our marriage ten years ago. He makes up the most insane rubbish about me. He's perjured himself dozens and dozens of times and nothing ever gets done about it. I've seen a few who were ok, but one in particular kept shouting at me. I also had Cafcass say that I refused to attend an interview when I was far too sick to attend and made that very clear, including with medical evidence. Absolutely useless.