The Custody Coach offers “fixed fee”, up front plans. We review and re-quote after each Hearing so there are no unrealistic down payments or unexpected costs.

Before you start proceedings: Most of our client’s come to us right at the beginning, before an application has even been made to Court. When that happens, typically we can give a more in-depth assessment of the situation and how best to approach the issues. We also determine whether they have Parental Responsibility and if so we advise them on that and provide guidance on how they should obtain information from their child’s school and doctor. Coming to us early enough, helps get you on the right track immediately as we can assist with mediation, preparing all initial c1, c100 and c1A Applications, drafting supporting particulars, right through the application process up to the first hearing.

In addition to this you may also need a Prohibited Steps Orders. to prevent your children being removed from the area, or abroad, a Non-Molestation Application, to prevent someone contacting you when you feel you are at risk of harm, or an Occupation Order Application to request that your ex-partner vacates your home while matters are determined. All these options are discussed in the initial consultation.

Moving to us after proceedings have started: Some client’s come to us after proceedings have started, mainly because they suddenly find they cannot continue to pay high solicitors fees. Typically these cases will be passed the first hearing and will need assistance preparing for interviews with Cafcass or social services, statements in response to allegations, setting out their position on any recommendations made by experts appointed by the Court or making applications to the Court to enforce existing contact arrangements which have broken down.

Applications for external reports and assessments: Many cases involve additional reports and work with external third party experts and agencies. Our extensive network and experience of contact centres, independent social workers and family assessment experts means we can assist with applications for expert reports, Court Ordered DNA Tests, Hair Strand Testing for drugs and alcohol and arranging supported contact.

At Court: We sit alongside you in Court, taking notes, specifically noting the Courts directions for the next steps in proceedings, assisting with documents and providing support and advice. As a Litigant in Person you are allowed to speak with us, during the hearing, to discuss the matters being raised and to seek advice on the directions being given by the Court before you agree to aspects of the Order being sought. If the other party is legally represented, their solicitor or barrister cannot act in a way as to disadvantage you during proceedings or as part of the ongoing litigation and we are vigilant to ensuring you are treated fairly and in line with procedural rules. We cannot act as your advocate in Court, but if the Court feels that it would assist it, in order to move proceedings along in an efficient manner, they can speak directly with us.

Special Educational Needs: We have considerable experience of supporting unrepresented litigants who have dyslexia, recognised information processing difficulties and various levels of Autism & Asperger’s.

International Applications: Are you based in the Republic of Ireland, Canada, the USA, Australia or New Zealand and need to make an Application to the UK Family Courts because your child resides in the UK? Then The Custody Coach can assist. Too often parents seek advice from lawyers in their own country, outside of the UK, to assist them make UK Applications. More often than not these lawyers have no direct experience of the UK Family Courts, and they certainly do not work there on a daily basis to give them the necessary insight into its inner workings. While these lawyers may be just down the road from you, it is often a false economy and many parents spend tens of thousands of pounds only to find the lack of day to day knowledge and experience ends up costing you far more than just money.