How to prepare for your family court interview
If you have a parenting matter before the Family Court, you will likely have an interview with a Court Child Expert during your case. Court Child Experts prepare various reports for the Court which help the Judicial Registrars and Judges make a decision in a parenting matter.
Meeting with a Court Child Expert can be daunting and client’s often get very nervous, as the recommendations of the Court Child Expert may influence the outcome of a matter. In this week’s blog we have outlined our top tips for client’s preparing for their interviews.
Before your interview
Know what you are asking for
In the weeks leading up to your interview, reread the orders that you are asking the Court to make (they will be in your Initiating Application or Response). If there are any changes tell your solicitor as they may need to file an Amended Initiating Application or Response so that the Court Child Expert knows exactly what you are seeking.
Know the practicalities
Make sure you have doubled checked the date and time of your interview, and where the interview is taking place.
If you need to be at your interview in person at the Court Registry, make sure you have checked the address and where you can park. Make sure you know what you can take into the Registry. If you are not sure, you can check this with our office.
Check who needs to be at the interview. You may need to bring the children, or the Court may have requested you bring your current partner or another person who to be interviewed. If you are not sure, ask your solicitor who needs to attend with you.
If the children are not required for your interview, make sure you have arrangements for childcare and someone to collect the children if you are running late. Even if your interview is happening by video conference, you should make sure that you are alone so you can concentrate on your interview.
If you are required to attend the Court Registry, and you have concerns for your safety, tell us before the interviews. We can arrange a safety plan with the Court to ensure that you feel safe and comfortable.
Don’t coach the children
If your children are meeting with the Court Child Expert, it is essential that you do not coach them or try to influence what they are going to say to the Child Court Expert. Not only is this harmful to the children by placing undue pressure on them, it is also harmful to your case. You should not tell the children what to say; suggest the children give certain answers; bribe the children; or tell the children you will be disappointed with them if they answer in a certain way.
If your children do ask you what they should say during the interview, you should encourage them to tell the Court Child Expert the truth.
During your interview
Remember the role of Court Child Expert
The Court Child Expert is not the judge deciding your matter. There role is not to decide the matter for you or to tell you want they think of your proposal. Their primary goal is to interview the people involved in the matter, and report back to the Court.
Focus on the actual question the Court Child Expert is asking you, and answer that question. Don’t use the interview time as an opportunity to complain about how awful you think your ex-partner is or how unreasonable you feel they are being.
Be honest and respectful
Stay calm, focused, and communicate with the Court Child Expert openly. Be honest and answer the Court Child Expert’s questions the best you can. Lying, whether intentionally or by omission, is not going to help your case.
Yelling at your ex-partner in the foyer, making nasty comments or acting inappropriately is going to be noticed by your Court Child Expert and will likely be commented on in the report. It is important that you keep your calm throughout the whole interview process. If your former partner does something to intimidate you, tell a member the Court or security staff.
After your interview
After your interview you may want to have a quick debrief with your solicitor. You are welcome to pop into our office, have a cold drink or coffee and a quick debrief.
Don’t question the children about what they said to the Court Child Expert.
Please note: the information in this article is general in nature. For specific advice about your circumstances or if you have any questions regarding the Rules or family law, contact our experienced team.
