Custody battle final hearing - experiences wanted please

SunshineButterfly

I have the first day of a final court hearing tomorrow regarding custody.

I have been told I will be cross examined along with everyone else involved.

I am unsure what to expect and wondered if anyone on here may of gone through simular who can give me a rough idea or any words of advice? Thanks.

Penny-Pincher!!

How amicable is it? If not good, then your parenting skills could be challenged, mental health etc.

SunshineButterfly

It is the worst you can imagine I would of thought. Allegations of child abuse, or not caring for the children and so on. BUT social services have completed a report stating they are happy with me and so have cafcass. It is a hearing to decide who the children reside with. The main problem is he is a compulsive liar and makes constant allegations along with having family willing to give evidence and lie for him.

I am not so much worried about them seeing me as a bad parent as I know I am seen as a good mother and local authorities are very happy with me. It is more the anxiety of not knowing what happens when you have to stand up in court and be cross examined.
As in I do not know if I have to stand up and answer questions in front of him? Will I have to sit right next to the judge?

I do have confidence, but in spotlight type situations I turn to jelly and cant get my words out correctly and my brain goes to much. Obviously I will be telling the truth when answering questions, but am quite worried that it will be his barristers job to do all they can to trip me up even when I have done nothing.

But I guess to look at the shoe on the opposite foot, I am hoping it wont be too hard to trip up someone who contuniungly lies?

I guess if it was a criminal case I would be taking it in my stride and not seeing it as much of a massive deal (not like I have ever had to do anything like that so maybe I am being a little niave) BUT because this is a decision about my childrens lives and their futures obviously I am very very worried about screwing it up!

Sorry, that turned into a bit of a rant there didnt it... oops.

Kayalana99

I hope someone can come along who has had experiance!!!

As for jubbling your words just take a deep breath think about what you want to say and start again.

You might find they try and accuse you of things but just simply deny it DO NOT get angry with them. Not sure what your like but thats the last thing you want :-)

Good luck, I think you'll be fine Id love an update tmro if you dont mind xx

SunshineButterfly

Thank you for your reply. I am def not an angry person and have lots of patience. I think sticking to yes or no answers unless they require more details may help me.

I am going to try hard not to get emotional whilst there, but not sure how successful that will be with all the discussions about my children.

I have 2 really great friends coming with me to support me so at least I am not on my own waiting to go in etc.

sovilla

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delain

I've been there and done that with a complete nutter ex who lied all the time. Pm me if you want more info (am not going to put too much on here) but my advice is stay calm. Answer the question answered and no more, an state at every opportunity that you want what is best for the children, demonstrate that they and their wellbeing are your first priority.