Family report – what is it and how do I prepare?
A family report is used to provide a court with an independent, expert view of the issues surrounding disputes in parenting arrangements.
It’s an important piece of evidence, and is prepared by an independent third party, usually an experienced social worker or psychologist.
The report will look at the co-parenting relationship and make recommendations about the future care and living arrangements for the family that are in the best interest of the children.
The court usually appoints a family report writer, or if you and former partner agree, you can jointly select one.
Each parent is interviewed by the report writer individually and observed interacting with your children. If the children are old enough, they will also be interviewed.
Some likely questions you will be asked about include:
- Your background;
- Your involvement with the children before the relationship breakdown;
- Whether your involvement with the children has changed since separation, to what extent, and why;
- The issues associated with your family law dispute;
- What you believe will be in the best interests of the child;
- Whether you believe there are any risks to the child and/or your response to any allegations that the child is at risk.
It’s important to be prepared for your interview with the family report writer. Some handy tips include:
- Dress yourself and your children appropriately and be on time for your interview.
Be punctual, and make sure you check with your lawyer beforehand to confirm the location of the interview.
- Bring activities and food for your children and don’t book anything else on the same day.
Family report interviews can last the whole day, so make sure you have enough snacks for your children, and some activities to keep them occupied when necessary.
- Think about what is in your children’s best interest.
The family report writer will generally ask you what arrangement you consider to be in the children’s best interests and why, and how that arrangement can practically take
- Be mindful about how you answer questions about your ex-partner.
While it’s important to be honest, bad-mouthing your ex for the entire interview will not reflect well on you. If you believe it is safe for you to do so, try and come up with some ways for your child to maintain a positive relationship with their other parent.
- Have age-appropriate conversations with your children about the family report interview.
Do not coach your children on what to say. Encourage them to be honest and open about their feelings, and that it is ok to tell the truth.
- When answering any question, be honest and focus on your children.
Emotions often run high in these situations. Remember to really focus on what you think is going to be in the children’s best interest and put their needs first.
We understand going through a separation and making parenting arrangements is a difficult and stressful period.
Need Help?
The family law experts at Michael Lynch Family Lawyers are here to help you through this time. To make an appointment with one of our solicitors, contact our office on: (07) 3221 4300 or email: law@mlynch.com.au
