How we help
Personal Support Across Every Area of Child Custody
Cafcass involvement rarely stands alone. It tends to be part of a wider case, such as a child arrangement dispute or an alienation concern. We have more than 25,000 court room hours and we use our experience to help you understand what Cafcass is assessing and how it connects to your case.
Child Arrangement Order
A child arrangement order outlines where a child lives and who they spend time with. At McKenzie Picave, we will support you through this process.
Parental Alienation
If a child’s relationship with you is being undermined, McKenzie Picave helps you understand what steps to take and how Cafcass can navigate the concern.
Prohibited Steps Order
Stop the other parent from taking specific action without your agreement, such as relocating your child abroad or moving their school.
Specific Issue Order
A specific issue order is a family court order that resolves a particular disagreement between parents about a child’s upbringing, where they can’t reach an agreement themselves. These disagreements include decisions about their schooling, medical care or religious education, for example. where they can’t reach an agreement themselves.
Parental Responsibility
What parental responsibility means in law, who automatically holds it and how to apply for it if you don’t.
Grandparents’ Rights
Grandparents don’t automatically have a right to see their grandchildren. At McKenzie Picave, we explain the process for applying for contact.
What Does Cafcass Look For?
This is the question that almost every parent asks us when experiencing Cafcass involvement. Cafcass officers will work from their welfare checklist, a set of factors the court must weigh when deciding what’s in a child’s best interests. This means that a Cafcass officer will be considering things like:
- The child’s own wishes and feelings, weighed against their age and understanding
- Their physical and emotional needs, including their education
- The likely effect of any change in their circumstances
- Any risk of harm, including exposure to conflict or abuse
- Each parent’s capability to meet the child’s needs
- The range of options available to the court, including making no order at all
But we want you to understand that recognising what Cafcass is looking for doesn’t mean you then need to change what you’re saying to fit a script. The Cafcass officers are experienced in spotting rehearsed lines, and these can actually cause more problems than good. You just need to be able to speak about your child’s day-to-day life clearly and truthfully, without exaggerating. This is exactly what we help you prepare for.
Considered insights on the law that affects you
That Family Law Guy: Unfiltered
Our founder’s podcast and articles unpack the legal issues we see most often in non-legal jargon.
McKenzie Friend Support
McKenzie Friend Support in Leicester, Leicestershire and the Rest of England
Many parents go into their Cafcass conversation without any guidance or support, because they think a solicitor is the only option, and their fees are simply not an option. Cafcass officers are managing more cases than ever as private law referrals are up over 8% in the past year alone. This means that every conversation you have with them counts.
We have more than 20 years of experience and have supported more than 3,000 cases. Our extensive experience means we know what a safeguarding call sounds like, what is covered in a Section 7 interview, where parents commonly trip themselves up and how to ensure the conversation stays focused on your child. We will not tell you exactly what to say, because that isn’t what proper preparation for Cafcass looks like. But we will help you think through your circumstances, so when Cafcass asks, you can answer confidently and not panic.
If your case goes to a hearing where a barrister is needed, our partner chambers cover England and Wales. They know how we work, meaning nothing falls through the gaps in the handovers.
You Don’t Have to Face Cafcass Alone
No matter what point you are at with Cafcass, whether you have just received your letter or you are waiting on a Section 7 report, McKenzie Picabe is with you every step of the way. We’ll help you understand what Cafcass is looking for and what the report timescale will mean for your case.
Contact Us
Confidential, no-obligation consultation
For more information or to request a callback, please fill in the form below. A member of our team will respond shortly.
Tell us what’s happening and what you need.
We help you organise documents, write statements and know what to expect.
We are by your side for every hearing and every step after.
FAQs
What is Cafcass?
Cafcass is the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service. They are independent of the court and advise the judge on which arrangement is in your child’s best interests. They act as the family court’s own social services department.
How long does a Cafcass report take?
How long your Cafcass report takes is dependent on the type of report and complexity of the concerns that have been raised; there is no universal timescale. A safeguarding letter will usually be produced ahead of the first hearing. But Section 7 reports take longer, as they require interviews. The current timeline for the complete private law case is around 35 weeks from start to finish.
Will Cafcass speak to my child?
Cafcass may speak to your child and part of a Section 7 report, but this is dependent on their age and understanding. But, please remember that it is vital that you don’t coach your child on what to say. If the Cafcass officer believes that you have told your child what to say, that will undermine your case.
Can a McKenzie Friend help me prepare for Cafcass?
Absolutely. At McKenzie Picave, we will help you understand what to expect and ensure you feel prepared for the conversation. However, we are unable to attend your Cafcass interview.
What happens if I disagree with Cafcass?
If you disagree with the Cafcass report, you are able to raise your concerns with the court. This is typically done through a position statement or at the next hearing.
Recent articles
Stay informed with the latest insights, updates, and guidance from the team at McKenzie Picave. Our recent articles cover topics across family court proceedings, legal support, mediation, and real-life issues affecting individuals and families today.
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