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Child Welfare Reports
I was absolutely delighted, this year, to have been appointed by the Sheriff Principal in Glasgow as one of the new intake of Child Welfare Reporters.
This is a short blog intended to share my initial experiences and help explain what to expect if you are involved in the process.
Oftentimes, at the early stages of a residence or child contact action the Sheriff will call for a report to obtain the views of the child.
Generally speaking, the court tends only to ask for the views of school age children but I have seen views being called for in cases where children are as young as three or four.
The Child Welfare Reporter will receive instructions usually from the pursuer’s agents along with a form setting out who the court wants them to talk to and what questions they want an answer to.
It is worth parties and their agents reflecting on what is in their pleadings at an early stage. The more sparse the pleadings are the more difficult it is for the Child Welfare Reporter and ultimately the court to understand the background.
2024 Internship Scheme
We are delighted to announce the commencement of the firm's 2024 internship programme.
The successful candidate will gain an in depth experience within a busy litigation practice.
The role is most likely to suit a student presently undertaking the Diploma in Legal Practice seeking an understanding of case management software, legal research, the preparation of complex cases and general administration within the office.
This will be a paid role, initially each Monday with the potential for the number of day to be extended. The position will not only offer a daily insight into a respected legal practice but also enhance further employment prospects.
Application is by email only to mjg@flemingandreid.co.uk including a covering letter and CV. Deadline for applications is Monday 15 January 2024.
Mediation in Scotland
Mediation is a voluntary process where you meet with the otherside and a trained neutral mediator to try and work with them to reach an agreement about the issues that need to be sorted out.
Mediation can be used in many different types of cases but can be particularly useful in complicated disputes or where there are difficult relationships to manage.
The mediator will not tell you what to do but will work with you both to try and get you to reach an agreement. Every mediator is different and will take their own approach to things. They will encourage you to keep an open mind about matters.
It can be helpful because you have more control over what is agreed. You will have a better understanding of where the other side is coming from, if you hear it from them either directly, or via the mediator. Misunderstandings can be cleared up much more quickly.
Child Contact and allegations of Domestic Abuse
A new research study has been published by the Scottish Civil Justice Hub entitled ‘Domestic Abuse and Child Contact: The Interface between Criminal and Civil Proceedings’. Funded by the Scottish Government, the project looked at the operation of Scots family law in cases of child contact that involved allegations of domestic abuse.
To understand the ways in which domestic abuse proceedings inform the handling of child contact cases, the researchers carried out a series of semi-structured interviews with legal practitioners.
The results of the report are summarised in eight essential themes, relating to the relationship between domestic abuse and coercive control, and twelve recommendations, informed by practitioners engaged in family law proceedings.
Legal Internship
An exciting opportunity has arisen within the firm for an internship. The successful candidate will gain an in depth experience within a busy high street litigation practice.
The role is most likely to suit a student presently undertaking the Diploma in Legal Practice, seeking an understanding of case management software, legal research, the preparation of complex cases and general administration in the office.
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