The link below is a useful explanation about how fact finding hearings work and what they are. It goes into some detail about what happens and what you need to do.
"Fact-Finding Hearings are essentially a ‘mini-trial’ in the case."
Also a useful piece of case law included in the article
"The recent case of K v K [2022] provided guidance on when to have a fact-finding hearing. This case set down that the allegations needed to have a direct impact on the child’s welfare to necessitate a fact-finding hearing. It was not appropriate to have a fact-finding hearing just because one party had behaved badly or been abusive in a marital relationship/towards their partner.
The Judge only needs to decide on the allegations to the extent that they are relevant to determine issues relating to a child’s future welfare, which is the paramount concern of the court."
I think the caselaw is important - it sets a precedent, so it may be possible to appeal a fact find hearing being ordered if the allegations don't have a direct impact on the child's welfare.
"Fact-Finding Hearings are essentially a ‘mini-trial’ in the case."
Also a useful piece of case law included in the article
"The recent case of K v K [2022] provided guidance on when to have a fact-finding hearing. This case set down that the allegations needed to have a direct impact on the child’s welfare to necessitate a fact-finding hearing. It was not appropriate to have a fact-finding hearing just because one party had behaved badly or been abusive in a marital relationship/towards their partner.
The Judge only needs to decide on the allegations to the extent that they are relevant to determine issues relating to a child’s future welfare, which is the paramount concern of the court."
I think the caselaw is important - it sets a precedent, so it may be possible to appeal a fact find hearing being ordered if the allegations don't have a direct impact on the child's welfare.
What is a fact-finding hearing? - Family Law Partners
As of April 2022, when No Fault Divorce came into effect, the Courts are set on a more amicable way of sharing costs, rather than having the Court make a decision to be put into a Court Order.
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