Parents in care proceedings accused of using illicit substances often find themselves subject to drug testing so that the Court can be provided with evidence as to their level of drug use, the substances used and the honesty of the parent within the proceedings.
It is the duty of the family court to ensure that a child is properly safeguarded and taken care of, taking into consideration the welfare checklist in Section 1 of the Children Act 1989.
The role of an intermediary was created by the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 to help vulnerable witnesses in criminal cases. However, the use of intermediaries has since spread to be included in Family Court proceedings.
When any couple separate, careful thought needs to be given about how their financial resources and obligations are divided.
Once an application has been made to court in family proceedings, for instance for a divorce, to deal with financial matters, children’s issues or non-molestation/occupation orders, the papers need to be served upon the other party known as the respondent.
When parents are no longer able to look after their children one of the options the court has to consider is whether adoption is right for child.
As a parent going through Care Proceedings it is important to know if and when they will be granted contact with their child/children.
What is an interim care order? Why is an interim care order needed in care proceedings? Discover the what, why and when in Leonnie Watsons latest blog....
In September 2019, the Civil Justice Council issued a consultation report with recommendations on how to support all vulnerable witnesses, both claimants and defendants.
My blog in July 2019 dealt with the standard and burden of proof in Fact Find Hearings and how this differs from the criminal burden of proof.
