Court Documents

You may wish to submit a variety of documents to the court, including statements, skeleton arguments, opening/closing submissions and Scott Schedules. It is crucial to make sure these are well-received by the judge and anyone else reviewing them. Unfortunately, many parents inadvertently harm their case by filing poorly drafted and counterproductive documents.

 

Position Statements

A well-crafted and concise Position Statement, for example, might determine the success or failure of your hearing. Our experienced McKenzie Friends understand this. They will assist you in drafting a document that effectively communicates your position to the court, using their experience, knowledge, and drafting skills. They will help you reference relevant case law and research, in order to support your argument and increase the likelihood of a favorable decision from the court. Our highly experienced McKenzie Friends will assist you in incorporating authoritative sources that strengthen your position.

 

Witness Statements

When preparing and submitting witness statements, it is crucial to ensure their relevance and focus on the relevant matters at hand. Many individuals find it challenging to draft statements that effectively present their perspective on past events, the current situation, and their proposals, for the court’s consideration. 

It is important to recognize that sometimes less is more. Overwhelming your witness statement with minor issues can dilute the impact of your strong points and be counterproductive. Our McKenzie Friends are here to assist you in presenting your case in a measured and effective manner. By doing so, we increase the likelihood that your views will be heard and considered with sympathy, ultimately benefiting your case before the court.

 

Skeleton Arguments

A skeleton argument can play a crucial role in strengthening your case, both during appeals and also final hearings. This document outlines the strengths and weaknesses of both parties’ arguments, aiming to guide the court toward a decision in your favour.

Just like in Position Statements, a well-prepared skeleton argument often includes references to relevant case law and research. These references help support your position and increase the likelihood of success in your case. Crafting a strong skeleton argument requires skill and practice. Our McKenzie Friends are able to help you in this regard. 

 

Opening and Closing Submissions

During contested hearings involving oral evidence, it may be necessary to prepare written opening and closing submissions that provide more detailed arguments than a position statement. These submissions can significantly enhance your chances of success. If necessary, our McKenzie Friends will support you in drafting these written submissions to convey your position and proposed remedies, alongside oral evidence.

 

Scott Schedules

The court can request a Scott Schedule for fact-finding purposes, whether within a final hearing or a separate fact-finding hearing. It is crucial to present allegations, and/or responses to allegations, in a clear and precise manner. The court will expect specific allegations to be addressed individually from both sides. You will have to articulate your allegations, or responses, such that the court understands your perspective on the alleged incident. Our McKenzie Friends can provide guidance and assistance in this regard.

Regardless of what is required, our McKenzie Friends will support you in preparing a document that effectively highlights the strengths of your position to the court.

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