Attending a final hearing about child arrangements can feel stressful for any parent. Understanding what happens during this stage helps you prepare and focus on your child’s wellbeing.
A final hearing is when the family court makes a final decision about the long-term care arrangements for your child. This decision may cover where your child will live and how often they’ll see each parent.
If a Cafcass report (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service) has been written and one or both parents disagree with it, the Cafcass officer who prepared the report will usually attend the hearing. Both parents or their legal representatives can ask the officer questions.
In some cases, parents themselves may give evidence directly to the court. This gives you the chance to explain your views and concerns.
However, not all final hearings involve witnesses. Sometimes, the court makes a decision based on written documents and legal arguments; this is known as a “submissions-only” hearing.
At the end of the hearing, the Judge or Magistrates will give their decision, called a judgment. This sets out your child’s future care arrangements.
While the process can feel daunting, knowing what to expect helps reduce stress. The court’s main aim is to make a decision that supports your child’s best interests. For more background on how these hearings work, you can visit the Family Court section on GOV.UK.
If you’re preparing for a final hearing and need tailored legal support, our family law barristers can advise and represent you. We provide clear guidance to help you feel confident and informed at every step.
📧 Email: office@citmchambers.co.uk
📞 Phone: 0117 214 1797
🌐 Website: childreninthemiddle.co.uk