• My engagement has broken off 
• Prohibited steps children's case  

My engagement has broken off

Amy called when her engagement was broken off by her fiancé.  She was devastated and although she had done a lot of soul searching, she was angry, sad and hurt.  She felt embarrassed and also sorry for him as he needed some help and she thought she could give it to him.  She was desperately keen that they stayed friends as they lived in the same small community but she didn’t know how to do this without giving or getting mixed messages.  

Jackie quickly got Amy to the point where she recognised that she was in love with the idea of a relationship and not her fiancé. Amy didn’t have a good track record in relationships and this was the final straw.  Using the weekly sessions to create a spring board with homework for the week ahead, Amy was able to recognise when she was stepping out of line. Jackie helped her to get clear about what her intentions were by asking the right questions - the answers often surprising Amy!

In only 6 telephone calls with Jackie, Amy was able to feel calm and able to cope. She learned how to be honest with her ex, and how to put boundaries in place, yet still show respect for him. She recognised just how controlling she could be and learned how to step back. Putting in place self confidence and self esteem allowed her to use all her skills with other people with whom she’d had communication difficulties too.

“You’re tough Jackie, you wouldn’t let me get away with anything.  Thank you for this as it’s allowed me to move on much more quickly than talking to my friends would”

 Prohibited steps children's case 

Janice (names have been changed) 32, wrote looking for 'emergency' support from divorce coach Kirsten Gronning for a final hearing in a children's application.

“I know this is last minute but I have just discovered your website at the 11^th hour! I am a LIP (Litigant in person) in a contact order case and the final hearing is tomorrow morning. My McKenzie friend is now unable to come and the thought of doing this completely alone is terrifying me.”

Kirsten recognised the urgency in the message and when they spoke over the phone in an hour long consultation, it was clear to Kirsten that Jackie had a good grasp of her case. She started by saying:

“My question is now that I have to present my case and cross examine the applicant. I appreciate ANY advice you can give at this very late stage and hope to hear from you.”

In the short time available Kirsten was really help Janice to present her case effectively and give her tips to keep the emotions out of the way. It was clear that she had her child’s best interests at heart throughout and was doing her best to be conciliatory under difficult circumstances. Janice had been represented by a barrister at previous hearings but couldn’t afford that expense any longer - this was the third hearing in court and she did not qualify for community support (legal aid.)

Kirsten focused on reassuring Janice that she knew her case and gave her many tips to be able to present it on the day. She knew what she was asking the court to do but she was worried her nerves would get in the way on the day so that she wouldn’t be able to focus. After talking, Janice’s anxiety was noticeably reduced and she relaxed when she fully realised that CAFCASS (after having met with her partner and carried out checks) were recommending in her favour. As a support in court mentor, Kirsten did not need to get involved in the legal case in order to prepare Janice for her experience.

Two days later Janice wrote “Just wanted to say a big thank you for your time at such short notice yesterday. I came away stronger and confident about talking today. I stayed up all night writing my opening speech and questions however luckily they were not required. (Although I was quite proud of my speech!) .. we finally reached an agreement on the new consent order which solely deals with contact only. He again had both a barrister and solicitor present. I was totally on my own...but after finding my inner strength I was able to sit in the waiting room unperturbed.

The judge was very pleased with the outcome and hope that the review hearing will not be required after further mediation. My faith has been restored in the legal system. Thank you once again for your advice and time - it has been the best £100 I have spent!

It’s important to note that we prepare clients for their experience in the family court and under no circumstances do we rehearse the evidence, coach or discuss the evidence or detail of the case.

Why not contact us now and tell us how we can help.

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