position statements

Would welcome some views on the following please.
Have finally received position statement from grandmother. It is 19 pages long, 54 pages, itemise''s my shortcomings, repeats my shortcomings and then goes over them again for good measure!
She denies what she wrote in solicitor''s letters, so have forwarded them to the court. Have been warned that as they do not have much of a case they will go for character assassination. Will they get to do this to me as a L.I.P?
I''m really worried now.

Annie

The more they write, the more they trip themselves up .. and the more they irritate the judge. The judge will not allow her to descend into slagging you off ...

You just need to keep your cool, be dignified yet bemused by her vitriol and point to the evidence .. without actually calling her a liar. Just be sure that everything you say and do is underlining your concern for your daughter, her well-being and her relationship with her father - challenging though that is.

You are very nearly there ... stay strong.

Hadenoughnow

Hi
Thank you,I think I can stay calm, I am used to doing that for work!
I wonder if anyone has experience of this type of questioning and what I will be asked.Is it focused on contact or will they try to discredit me as a person?
She knows so little about me I can''t imagine that will be possible.
Also she would not talk to CAFCASS, so maybe that will count against her.
If things go well tomorrow, I imagine they will try to get it straight back to court.
The worst thing she accuses me of is verbally abusing ex but his carer is there all the time, so how would it be possible?

Annie

I had this experience at FH for finances - but not done child contact stuff. His barrister tried a character assassination but failed. The judge actually seemed to be on my side ... and at the end described me as "an impressive lady"!
I am sure you will be able to stand up to anything she tries to throw at you ... I am also sure the judge will not be persuaded by arguments about your alleged character failings. You and your daughter have both been through the mill enough. You have done your best to keep contact going despite the appalling circumstances and these dreadful grandparents. What will shine through is your concern for your daughter and their utter selfishness.
I wish you the very best. Stay calm. The end is in sight.

Hadenoughnow

Annie - this is just a thought. Have you thought of asking the court to make your daughter party to the proceedings? If so, she would be appointed a court (legal aid) solicitor to represent her.

When I was going through contact proceedings, this happened and as I self repped, the solicitor for the children often stepped in when ex was going for it! The DJ asked his opinion on matters when we had different accounts etc.

If I recall, your daughter is 11/12?? So this would not be unusual?? She will NOT need to attend court, but mine discussed matters with their solicitor in private meetings both at home and in his office.

I may be wrong, this may not be suitable in your case but it''s just a thought as it appears your daughter is not being listened to by the gp/court.

GMS

Hi Thank you
I will request that that happens if court rules against us.CAFCASS are recommending in daughter''s favour, so hopefully it will be ok.

Hi Annie,
I''m wishing you well for tomorrow. You''ve been so strong all along don''t be afraid now. You and your daughter have suffered greatly at the hands of these grandparents.

Hold your head up and tell the truth. As Had says just show that your daughter''s welfare is your greatest concern. Which is the truth.

Stay strong and focused. You can do this. xx