Australia-specific: navigating Family Report assessments
So I’ve got my first Family Report assessment coming up in two weeks and honestly I’m terrified. My solicitor keeps saying it’s “crucial” but I feel like I’m walking into something blind.
For context - my ex filed for sole custody after the kids (Emma 12, Josh 9) started refusing to come to mine three months back. Said they’re “scared” of me which… I still can’t wrap my head around. I was the one doing homework with them every night, making their lunches. Now suddenly I’m the scary parent?
The Family Consultant is going to interview all of us separately, then together. My ex has already started with the “concerns about mum’s mental health” stuff in his affidavit. Classic move apparently - my sister went through similar in Perth five years ago.
Few questions for anyone who’s been through this process in Oz:
Do they actually listen when kids have clearly been coached? Josh used words like “inappropriate behaviour” last time we spoke - that’s not how a 9-year-old talks.
How long do these reports usually take? My solicitor said 6-8 weeks but that feels like forever when you’re not seeing your children.
The ICL hasn’t even met the kids yet but somehow thinks the current arrangement (them staying with dad full time) should continue “for stability.” How is that even fair?
I keep reading about overseas cases but the Australian system seems different. Less focus on parental alienation as a concept, more on “what’s in the children’s best interests” which sounds reasonable until your kids have been told you’re dangerous.
Anyone dealt with Family Reports in Melbourne specifically? I’m with the Dandenong registry if that matters. Just want to know what I’m walking into.
This whole thing feels like I’m having to prove I’m not the monster my own children suddenly think I am.