CAFCASS is an abbreviated name for ‘The Children and Family Court Advisory Service’. CAFCASS are an independent body whose role is to represent the interests of children who are subject to ongoing court proceedings. Although ultimately the decision as to what is best for the children is made by the Family Court, the role of CAFCASS is to safeguard children by advising the Court as to what arrangement would be in the children’s best interests. When an application is made at Court under the … [Read more...]
What is Parental Alienation?
What is Parental Alienation? Something often felt by parents going through a separation or divorce is alienation by or from their child or children. Sadly, only too often during proceedings such as these, relationships between parents and their children will suffer as a result of the “warring” parties, particularly if the case is acrimonious. This is problematic and harmful to all involved, however, when it is happening because the child is being deliberately turned against one parent by the … [Read more...]
Divorce and the ‘New’ Financial Statement of Information
When couples separate and agree a financial settlement, certain documents have to be submitted to the Court. The Consent Order is a document which states the agreement itself. In addition to this, the parties have to submit a financial ‘Statement of Information’. This is known as a summary of the assets, income, liabilities and pension that the parties have at the time they sign the statement. This form is used to assist the Judge in making a decision as to whether the financial … [Read more...]
Keeping Family Matters out of Court- what does the future hold?
Justice secretary Dominic Raab speaking to the House of Commons said he wants to do something ‘drastic’ to stop up to half of family law cases reaching court. He said cases involving safeguarding and domestic abuse, which make up between 50%- 60% of the total, should continue be heard by a judge. Dominic Raab believes that the rest should require an out-of-court remedy and revealed that talks with the senior judiciary have begun about offering greater incentives to couples to settle … [Read more...]