Blog | Family Court Advice by a Former Cafcass Adviser

Child Arrangements Order blog illustration showing a black cartoon character holding a “DON’T PANIC” flag, about family court terms such as contact, custody and residence.

Child Arrangements Orders: Still Saying “Contact” or “Custody”? Here’s What Family Court Uses Now

Still saying “contact” or “custody”? Family court now uses Child Arrangements Order language — and that shift is about more than wording. Here’s why it matters if you’re applying or already in court.

Feb 241 min read

Creative image of miniature climbers on a teabag string hanging from a mug, used as a metaphor for pressure and preparation in a Cafcass safeguarding interview.

Cafcass Safeguarding Interviews: 10 Things That Land Well -and 10 That Don’t

You do not need a script for a Cafcass safeguarding interview. You do need clarity, specifics and a workable proposal. Here are 10 things that tend to land well — and 10 that don’t.

Feb 243 min read

Understanding Hair Strand Testing in Child Arrangements Cases

Drug allegations in child arrangements cases are all too common. You might hear claims like: “He’s on cocaine.” “She smokes weed around the kids.” “I don’t do drugs anymore.” “I never did drugs.” “It was just recreational.” When I worked as a Cafcass Family Court Adviser, these accusations came up frequently. The court can't decide on safeguarding matters based on accusations alone. It needs solid evidence. That's why, when drug use is disputed, the court often orders hair st

Feb 213 min read

Lego grandmother and child sitting together on a small park bench

Grandparents’ Rights in England and Wales: What You Can Apply For — and What Judges Want to See

Been Cut Off From Your Grandchild? “No Automatic Rights” Does Not Mean No Hope If you are a grandparent who has suddenly been shut out of a grandchild’s life, you may already have been told some version of this: “Grandparents have no rights.” That is too simplistic. In England and Wales, grandparents do not usually have an automatic right to apply for a Child Arrangements Order. But that does not mean the family court cannot help. In most cases, a grandparent must first ask t

Mar 194 min read

Stylised neon digital collage with speech bubbles and chat-style graphics representing disputed narratives and AI-generated content in private family court evidence.

AI in Private Family Law: Already Showing Up in the Evidence

AI is already appearing in private family proceedings — from AI-polished witness statements to invented legal authorities and false procedural certainty. A practical look at how AI is shaping evidence, expectations and credibility in family court.

Feb 232 min read

Notebook on a desk with handwritten “response to allegations” and a smiley face, beside court paperwork and a mug of tea.

What if my ex weaponises my mental health in family court?

This is one of the biggest fears parents bring to me: “What if my ex uses my mental health against me in family court?” Mental health can be twisted into a narrative very quickly once court papers start flying. A single line like “they’re unstable” or “they have mental health issues” can make you feel like you’re already losing, before anyone’s even asked a proper question. But here’s the part most people don’t realise: Family courts look at impact, not labels Family court

Jan 183 min read