CHILD ARRANGEMENTS
This form sets out what the issues are and requests that child care arrangements are to be agreed and set out legally in a Court Order. The court will list the matter for a FHDRA and it may instruct Cafcass to determine any safeguarding issues.
This is an opportunity for the parties to understand the issues between them and try to reach an agreement. If an agreement is reached, it will be documented in a court order. If there is no agreement, the court will make directions, including details of what evidence is required, and the matter will be listed for a Dispute Resolution Appointment (DRA)
The court will identify the key issues & resolve and narrow these by hearing evidences. This may include from an expert & give final directions before listing the matter for a Final Hearing.
Fact finding hearings can take place at any time. The court considers the evidence across allegations & decides whether the alleged incidents did or did not happen. Evidence is heard and the parties are cross-examined.
A judge will consider all these evidence provided by the parties and at any relevant Cafcass reports & information from any fact finding hearing. They will then make a decision & the welfare of the children will be paramount consideration. The judge may make not order , or a Child arrangement order as necessary.