There have been two or three cases recently where a Section 7 report has been reasonably favourable to a Dad and childrens wishes even saying they want to spend half the time with Dad. And where the Mother, at the next hearing, has then complained about the Section 7 or the Social Worker or said they didn't talk to the children properly - and the court has then ordered a section 7 addendum and further discussions with children about their wishes.
This causes further delays, and predictably, the childrens wishes have changed by the time the addendum report is published.
This situation seems to be some kind of new tactic and it's shocking. Even if a SW recognises the child has been coached meanwhile - they don't always - and a lot of damage has been done. If it gets to a point where a child is then refusing to see Dad at all (as is happening with a couple of cases right now), there is a need to raise the issue with the court, or by the time of a final hearing, the child will be completely alienated.
Only suggestion I have so far is if the other side ask for a S7 addendum - object to it.
This causes further delays, and predictably, the childrens wishes have changed by the time the addendum report is published.
This situation seems to be some kind of new tactic and it's shocking. Even if a SW recognises the child has been coached meanwhile - they don't always - and a lot of damage has been done. If it gets to a point where a child is then refusing to see Dad at all (as is happening with a couple of cases right now), there is a need to raise the issue with the court, or by the time of a final hearing, the child will be completely alienated.
Only suggestion I have so far is if the other side ask for a S7 addendum - object to it.