Attending a Tribunal in person

LittleJohn

I was wondering what the advice would be with asking for an oral Tribunal rather than a paper hearing? How much of a witch hunt are these hearings? Is just the presented evidence used or is it much more penetrating?

I understand that if I attend I have in theory a greater opportunity to represent my case and clarify any points raised. HOWEVER, I am sure that I will self-incriminate myself in some way and dig myself into an even bigger hole. At least with a paper hearing you have time to think and record the details without giving too much away.


Many thanks


LJ

kelloggs36

It depends on what the issue is. An oral hearing gives you the opportunity to clarify something and get the truth out. What is it the appeal is about?

articfoxy78

our oral hearing was a waste of time they just kept saying its government leglestation and there is nothing else you can do
we wanted the effective start date changing cuz we complied with DNA order (in 2003)and PWC didnt untill 2007 but there was mitigating circumstances which we agreed with but still we get stuck with the arrears
but as kellogs says depends on what you want/need there was only 4 people in the room me (NRPP ) NRP CSA and a minutes taker and it lasted all of 5 minutes

LittleJohn

kelloggs36 wrote: »

It depends on what the issue is. An oral hearing gives you the opportunity to clarify something and get the truth out. What is it the appeal is about?

Hi Kelloggs

Seems like everything, I have listed:

Assets over 65k
Diversion of income
Life-style above income

in a fifty page pack sent by the CSA to the Tribunal office.

Early days yet, taken some legal advice, could be quite dire due to some high assets. So would rather not have to face endless questions...

So how probing are these things?

L

catenorfolk

Hi there. These hearings are held by an independant judge. I have been to three of them as the NRP didnt turn up so they were adjourned. I would go if i were you , unless you have anything to hide, and take all the information you can as they are very fair and will listen to all sides. I took the CSA to the tribunal as i disagreed with the way they handled my case. I won the tribunal case and my ex now has to pay me etc. (Mind you the ex still thinks differently and hasnt coughed up anything and now the bailiffs are going to go in - hopefully soon) Most of this would have been avoided if he had turned up and gave his income, living costs and details of his new dependants. You will only be cutting off your nose to spite your face if you didnt go. They look at all sides of the story. Chin up, be brave and if you are honest you wont shoot yourself in the foot.

kelloggs36

Again, it isn't possible to predict as I don't know what evidence the PWC has presented to the CSA or the tribunal for them to consider. If the PWC requests an oral hearing it will be an oral hearing whether you want to go or not; you will be invited to attend but you don't have to - you can rely on what you have sent in but it would avoid any questions being made, but equally it could mean that the decision goes against you as they will be considering the evidence that they have.