Steven Wade is a family law advisor (McKenzie Friend) with nearly 20 years of experience helping people represent themselves in court. Having been through the system personally and supported thousands of others since, he knows what it’s like to face the stress, confusion, and pressure of doing it alone. This blog shares practical insights that empower you to take control of your case — without the legal jargon or the hefty solicitor’s bill.
Why a presumption of 50/50 Shared Care is a waste of time.
Family Law Assistance
The only alternative to a solicitor.
…a story from the near future when there is a presumption of 50/50 Shared Care:
`…newly appointed President of the Family Division Sir James Holman has issued new Practice Guidance in relation to the quantum of time children spend with their separated parents. All courts have been advised that any parent wishing to depart from a routine that provides children with equal amounts of time with each parent will be required to demonstrate why this view is in line with the paramountcy principle. Fathers rights groups hailed this as a major step forward, whilst Women’s Aid…’
`Hello, Family Law Assistance – how can we help?’
`Hi there. I’m looking for advice. I separated from my ex 3 months ago. She won’t let me see the kids. I’ve told her that the law means they are meant to be with me for half the time but she won’t listen’.
`Have you tried mediation? It’s always best to try to avoid court and besides it’s a requirement if you are going to make an application.
Contact National Family Mediation and organise to meet them. You’ll attend a MIAM. If mediation doesn’t work you’ll need section 14 of the C100 signed and stamped in any case’.
`Already done that. I went to the MIAM’.
`How did it go?’
`She went to the first one but said she wouldn’t agree to anything more than the kids seeing me on alternate weekends and mid week contact. Because there’s 50/50 Shared Care now isn’t there? She didn’t listen and refused to go to another session’.
`You’re right. There is a presumption of 50/50 Shared Care now’.
`OK thanks. She told me I had committed DV against her and abused the kids which is why she won’t agree to anything else. Will the court ignore that?’
`Allegations made will either be ignored, or you’ll be asked about them. Possibly order a Finding of Fact’.
`Will that slow things down? Will I get my kids half the time until then?’
`It’s unlikely at this stage. The court has an obligation to investigate allegations. Since the changes to Practice Direction 12J were made last year however contact may be difficult for the moment’.
`I was told that if the kids are with her and not seeing me it’ll make things harder for me to get 50/50 is that true?’
`The court has to work in the best interests of the child and if they’ve not seen you for a long time it may want to work on a schedule of increasing contact…’
Sound familar? How would a presumption of 50/50 work?
This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
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