Getting The Most From Online Branch Meetings

There is limited time and a big demand. Get there on time and you will get advice and support. Get there late and we can’t guarantee anything.

Welcome to our Branch meeting. If this is your first time, we have some simple rules and apromise to help with parenting opportunities after separation or divorce. Other members may have advice on other matters such as CMS, divorce or even child abduction so stay close.

Things to remember

• Everything said in this room must remain confidential. (Chatham House Rules).
• If you require meaningful and effective advice you need to be truthful.
• Mute yourself unless it is your turn to speak, or you are invited.
• You will learn a lot about your own case by listening to the problems of others.

How do the meetings work?

There will be up to 20 people in the meeting (often less). It is run by the Chair who will ask people to tell their story in turn, sometimes by asking questions, and then pass you over to one of our legal or parenting information experts. 

We DO want to help, and we want to know about your case, but time is limited. 

We know you love your children more than anything and miss them terribly.

We know you once loved your ex.

We know your ex and the court and social work system have treated you badly. The system is cruelly and unnecessarily adversarial and biased against fathers.

If you are new, what do we need to focus on?

1. How long since you last saw your children?
2. Do you live near your children?
3. How long since your separation?
4. Have you got any cautions, charges, or convictions?
5. Are you currently involved with the Family Court?
6. Have Social Services been involved with your family in the past?
7. How can we help?

Our advice is free. We can provide information and advice on a range of issues and a have a store of useful information leaflets on our website.

Note: We do not need to know the names of your children, their ages and rough location is enough to give you effective advice. You should endeavour to keep your children’s names confidential. You don’t even need to tell us your real name.

What do you think?

Send us feedback!