Family Court Consult
Book a consultation

Facing family court?
Understand your case through the court's eyes.

A structured 60-minute consultation with a professional who regularly advises the family courts, focused on what the court is actually looking for.
Book a consultation £175
SWE reg. SW25768 · CAFCASS associate · NYAS associate · BASW member
Registered Social Worker
15+ years’ experience in family courts
Prepares Section 7 reports for the Family Court
No ongoing commitment required
Based in Derbyshire · Available UK-wide

Tim Greenslade

Family Court Adviser · Independent Social Worker · CAFCASS & NYAS Associate
As a Family Court Adviser and Independent Social Worker, Tim regularly prepares reports for the Family Court, including Section 7 welfare reports. He assesses children’s needs, analyses evidence and makes independent recommendations to the court.
Tim’s approach is straightforward: he will tell you when your expectations or position may be unrealistic and will not encourage conflict between parents. His focus is the same as the court’s: understanding what is genuinely in the child’s best interests, rather than helping parents score points against one another.
Tim Greenslade Independent Social Worker · Family Court Adviser · CAFCASS & NYAS Associate
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The challenge

You're a parent, not a solicitor

Many parents already have a solicitor. This consultation is different. Rather than providing legal advice, Tim helps you understand how the court is likely to approach the issues in your case, drawing on his experience of preparing reports for the court.
Hiring a solicitor is one option, but their role is to represent your interests and provide legal advice. Tim offers a different perspective. With over 15 years' experience in family justice, including work as a Family Court Adviser and Independent Social Worker, he understands children's proceedings from every angle and helps you approach your case with greater clarity and confidence.

Too much information

Separating the issues that carry evidential weight from the background detail the court will set aside is genuinely difficult without guidance.
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An unfamiliar process

First hearings, Dispute Resolution Appointments (DRAPs), Section 7 reports, the procedural stages are confusing and hard to navigate without someone who knows them well.
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The cost of uncertainty

Entering proceedings without a clear understanding of your case can lead to delays, increased costs and unnecessary stress for the whole family.
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Why this is different

I don't just understand family court—I work within it, preparing independent reports that help inform judicial decision making.

"As a Family Court Adviser for CAFCASS and NYAS, I prepare Section 7 reports — the reports judges use to make decisions about children. I understand the issues the court is likely to focus on because assessing evidence and making recommendations to the Family Court is part of my professional work."

Tim Greenslade
Tim Greenslade · BSc (Hons) Psychology, Open University · PG Diploma Social Work Studies, University of Nottingham · 15+ years working in family courts across multiple local authorities, including at management level

What's included

The 60-minute strategic consultation

A structured, prepared session. Tim reviews your intake information before you speak so the time is focused from the first minute.
  • Clarification of your current position and procedural stage
  • Identification of issues the court is likely to examine
  • Identifying what information is likely to be relevant to the court
  • Discussion of proportionate strategic options available to you
  • A written Strategic Summary following your consultation, setting out the key issues discussed and suggested next steps

Is this for you?

This consultation is designed for you if you are...

  • Preparing for a first hearing or Dispute Resolution Appointment (DRA)
  • Uncertain which issues are likely to be important to the court
  • Representing yourself and want a clearer understanding of your options
  • Trying to understand a Section 7 report and the issues it raises
  • Wanting to approach proceedings more strategically and proportionately
  • Wanting clarity without escalating conflict between the parties

Scope and boundaries

What this service does not include

Tim is an Independent Social Worker, not a solicitor. Being transparent about scope means you know exactly what you're getting and can make a fully informed decision before you book.
  • This is not legal advice and does not constitute legal representation
  • This service does not include advocacy, representation or cross-examination in court
  • Tim will not attend court or speak on your behalf as part of this service
  • This is a single structured session, not ongoing case management

How it works

Three steps from where you are to where you need to be

1
Select a time, complete a short intake form, and pay £175. No commitment beyond the session.
2
Before the session, Tim reads your intake so the time is focused from the very first minute.
3
A 60-minute structured session, followed by a written summary for you to keep and refer to.

Pricing

Transparent, fixed-fee pricing

60-minute strategic consultation
£ 175
Includes written Strategic Summary · prepaid at time of booking
Book your consultation
This service offers a cost-effective way to gain focused insight into your case. An experienced family solicitor may charge £200–£350 or more for an hour. This is not legal advice, but a different perspective based on extensive experience in family court proceedings and Section 7 reporting.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Yes. Your consultation is confidential. Information you share will not be disclosed to CAFCASS, NYAS, the court or any other third party without your consent, unless disclosure is required by law or necessary because of a safeguarding concern. Full details are set out in the Privacy Policy.

Yes, many clients book at various stages, including ahead of a hearing, after receiving a Section 7 report, or when they feel they've lost clarity on the direction of their case.

Yes. If you have received a Section 7 report, Tim can help you understand the issues it raises, the recommendations being made and the evidence or reasoning behind them. The consultation can also help you identify the points that may be important to address before the next hearing. 

You'll complete a short intake form when you book. The more clearly you describe your situation, the key issues and what you hope to understand, the more focused the consultation can be. If you would like Tim to review specific court documents in advance, you can add document review when booking.

No. This service does not provide legal advice or legal representation. Tim provides an independent social work perspective, drawing on his experience of family court proceedings and preparing Section 7 reports. The consultation is designed to help you understand the issues the court is likely to consider and approach your case with greater clarity.

No. A McKenzie Friend typically provides support during court proceedings, such as attending hearings and assisting with paperwork. This service is different. It is a one-off strategic consultation designed to help you understand your case, identify the issues the court is likely to focus on, and discuss your realistic next steps. Depending on your circumstances, those next steps may include representing yourself, instructing a solicitor, seeking specialist support, or taking no further action.

Possibly, if that is genuinely what your situation requires. Tim's approach is always child-centred and honest. The aim of this session is to help you understand your position clearly enough to make that decision yourself, with full information.

Cancellations made more than 48 hours before the consultation will receive a full refund. If you need to change your appointment, please give at least 48 hours' notice. Appointments cancelled within 48 hours are non-refundable.

Recognised by colleagues and courts

A track record built over 15 years in family courts

A valued team member who worked hard to achieve good outcomes for children.
Derby City Council, 2014
Service Director, Early Intervention and Integrated Safeguarding
Every competency rated excellent. Would re-employ without hesitation.
Nottinghamshire County Council, 2020
Team Manager, Court Team
The judge described the report as extremely helpful, the way a guardian's final analysis should be to assist the court.
Family Court, 2023
Special guardianship proceedings

Ready when you are

Approach your case with greater clarity

Limited availability each week to ensure every consultation receives focused preparation and care.
Book your 60-minute consultation £175
Secure prepayment · Chesterfield, Derbyshire · Registered Social Worker SW25768
Family Court Consult · familycourtconsult.co.uk
Family Court Consult is a trading style of Socialeyes (Chesterfield) Ltd, company number 13851194. Copyright © 2026 Socialeyes (Chesterfield) Ltd. All rights reserved. Registered Social Worker SW25768. Member of the British Association of Social Workers.