Witness Statements For Leave To Appeal

fifitrix123

I have been asked by the court to provide witness statements as to why I should be able to see a child in the family to which I have had constant access since she was born.
I have a leave hearing on the 3rd Nov and the judge told me it would be better to seek legal advice but I am unable to afford it and am not eligable for legal aid.
Solicitors who advertise fixed fee interviews are now saying they are only interested in private clients.
Does anyone know where I can start? Any helpful family lawyers on here? Please?

Vomityspice

A witness statement is just the list of reasons as to why you want to have contact with the child. You DONT need a solicitor to do this! Remeber to write FACTS.

i.e.

1) I would want to continue to have contact with XXX as we are related (give example, brother, cousin etc)

2) Over the last two years we have had regular contact and have develped a relationship

3) etc etc

Perhaps it would be better if you gave more details of the court application you made? and why?


(ex Social Worker, Current 3rd Year Law Student (LLB))

mookiandco

If you are not the child's parent you need permission of the court to make an application under children act 1989 for contact. I have typed a precedent for a statement below. Obviously the contents will be personal to you but atleast it will look professional!

Start with a bit of background as indicated by the poster above. Include your date of birth, how you know the child, what your relationship with the parents is like, what your propsals for future contact are etc.


In the NAME OF COURT

Case Number :

In the Matter of the Children Act 1989
And in the matter of NAME OF CHILD (DOB xxxxxx) MALE/FEMALE

B E T W E E N :-

YOUR NAME
Applicant

-and-

OTHER PARTIES NAME
Respondent

STATEMENT OF YOUR NAME



I, insert name a (insert occupation) of insert address make this statement in support of my application for xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

BACKGROUND
1.

2. etc etc


REASONS FOR APPLICATION etc etc

I make this statement believing the contents to be true to the best of my knowledge and belief and knowing that it will be placed as my evidence before the court

Signed …………………………………..
YOUR NAME


Date:

NB its not come out very well so just bear in the mind that Case no, applicant and respondent should all be on the far right and the bit STATEMENT OF YOUR NAME should be centered. Use numbered paragraphs and a 1.5 space between each line in font 12.

Wishing you all the best

(Family Solicitor)!!!