If you’ve received a Section 7 report – or are about to be assessed – it can feel like everything is riding on what CAFCASS says next. Whether you’re being unfairly judged or just want to make sure your side is properly heard, we help you prepare, respond, and stay calm through every step.
Our support is fixed-fee, father-focused, and grounded in deep insider knowledge. Lach, our founder, used to write Section 7 reports for CAFCASS. Now he helps dads respond to them strategically.
If CAFCASS are preparing a Section 7 report in your case, you need to be ready. These reports can make or break the outcome – yet most dads don’t know what to expect, how to engage, or how to respond if it’s unfair.
That’s where we come in.
Our Section 7 support gives you expert-led preparation, mock interviews, and help drafting your response – so you feel confident, not cornered.
A Section 7 report is one of the most influential documents in any child arrangements case. Written by CAFCASS, it assesses the child’s welfare, parental relationships, and any concerns raised by either party. The court will often rely heavily on what this report says.
But here’s the issue: the report is based on what you say, how you say it, and what CAFCASS chooses to include. If it’s unbalanced or missing key context, the court might get the wrong picture.
That’s why preparation matters. The right input from you can shape the whole tone of the report – and the outcome of your case.
While no two reports are exactly the same, most Section 7 assessments follow a familiar format. They typically include:
We help you understand how these reports are built, what each section really means, and how your answers influence what gets written.
Most dads come to us feeling uncertain – unsure what CAFCASS is looking for, how the interview will go, or what to do if the report feels unfair. Our support gives you structure from start to finish, so you’re not reacting under pressure – you’re responding with a plan.
We don’t just tell you what to expect. We help you prepare, practise, review, and respond with confidence.
We walk you through exactly how Section 7 assessments work, what questions CAFCASS typically ask, and how to approach the interview calmly and strategically. We’ll do a mock run if needed – so you’re not going in blind.
Once your Section 7 report is complete, we help you break it down. We’ll identify any factual errors, biased language, missing context or recommendations that need challenging. You’ll know where you stand – and what needs addressing.
Your Section 7 response statement is your opportunity to speak directly to the court. We help you write a clear, structured reply – one that affirms what you agree with, challenges what you don’t, and brings attention back to your child’s best interests.
Most dads don’t realise how much weight a Section 7 report carries – until it’s too late. You don’t get a second chance to prepare properly. That’s why we treat it with the seriousness it deserves.
We go beyond surface-level advice. From interview prep to final response, we guide you step by step – helping you engage with CAFCASS calmly, respond clearly, and protect your relationship with your child.
Lach, our founder, used to work inside CAFCASS – writing the exact same reports dads are now facing. He knows how the recommendations are shaped, what red flags to avoid, and what the court is really looking for.
“ Lach used to write Section 7 reports for CAFCASS. Now he helps dads respond to them. You can’t get better insight than that. ”
We don’t offer vague suggestions. We give you real prep – tailored interview coaching, document reviews, and help writing your official response. You’ll understand what’s happening and exactly how to act.
“ I had no idea what to expect – but after just one session, I felt 10x more confident.”
Your Section 7 response is your only chance to challenge errors and speak directly to the judge. We help you make it count – with calm, respectful wording that still hits the important points hard.
“ The response we wrote with Dads Consultancy changed everything. The court actually listened. ”
Lach, our founder, used to work inside CAFCASS – writing the exact same reports dads are now facing. He knows how the recommendations are shaped, what red flags to avoid, and what the court is really looking for.
“ Lach used to write Section 7 reports for CAFCASS. Now he helps dads respond to them. You can’t get better insight than that. ”
We don’t offer vague suggestions. We give you real prep – tailored interview coaching, document reviews, and help writing your official response. You’ll understand what’s happening and exactly how to act.
“ I had no idea what to expect – but after just one session, I felt 10x more confident.”
Your Section 7 response is your only chance to challenge errors and speak directly to the judge. We help you make it count – with calm, respectful wording that still hits the important points hard.
“
The response we wrote with Dads Consultancy changed everything. The court actually listened.
”
Every Section 7 report is different – but the pressure it puts on dads is the same. Whether you’re just hearing the words “Section 7” for the first time, or reeling from what CAFCASS has written about you, we help you respond with clarity, strategy, and strength.
Not sure whether to hire a solicitor or use McKenzie Friend support? You’re not alone. Our professional McKenzie Friend consultancy offers a clear, structured alternative to expensive legal representation – especially for dads who want to stay in control without losing strategy or support.
Here’s how we compare:
Many dads assume a solicitor is their only option — but when it comes to CAFCASS Section 7 reports, what you actually need is clarity, preparation, and the ability to tell your side of the story confidently.
That’s exactly what our fixed-fee support delivers. Here’s how we compare:
| Feature | Dads’ Consultancy | Typical Solicitor |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed-Fee, All-In Support | ✅ One clear, all‑inclusive price | ❌ Hourly billing / unpredictable quotes |
| Mock Section 7 Interview | ✅ Full mock interview & coaching | ❌ Rarely offered |
| Statement / Response Drafting | ✅ We help draft your written response | ❌ Often review‑only or extra fee to draft |
| CAFCASS Report Review | ✅ Line‑by‑line feedback & action plan | ❌ Varies |
| Insider Understanding of CAFCASS | ✅ Lach has written these reports | ❌ Limited direct experience |
| Emotional & Strategic Support | ✅ Calm, child‑first guidance | ❌ Not their focus |
| Focused on Fathers in Family Court | ✅ Dedicated to dads’ cases | ❌ General practice |
👉 Still unsure what support you need? Book a free call and we’ll walk you through it.
We support dads at every stage – but earlier is always better.
Before the Interview: This is the ideal time to prepare. We’ll help you understand what CAFCASS are looking for and how to approach the interview with calm clarity.
After the Report Is Written: If the report feels unfair or one-sided, we’ll help you break it down and write a clear, respectful response.
Before a Final Hearing: If a judge is about to make a decision based on the report, we’ll help you challenge errors and bring the focus back to your child.
No matter where you are in the process, we’ll help you bring structure and strategy to your case.
No hidden extras. No hourly billing. Just one clear price for end-to-end support from professionals who’ve worked inside CAFCASS.
Whether you’re preparing for the interview, reviewing your final report, or drafting your official response – we’re with you all the way.
You’ll get full preparation and support from start to finish. That means a mock interview and one-to-one coaching to help you handle CAFCASS questions with confidence, a detailed review of your Section 7 report so you know exactly what’s in your favour – and what needs addressing – plus hands-on help drafting your written response to the court. All of this is guided by trained social workers who understand exactly how CAFCASS works, so every step is strategic.
💬 Please don’t make any payments before speaking to our team. We always begin with a free call to make sure this service is the right fit for your situation.
Dads who felt blindsided by CAFCASS, unsure how to respond, and overwhelmed by the pressure have turned to us for calm, strategic support. These are their stories – shared with permission, and grounded in real outcomes.
Still unsure how Section 7 support works – or whether it’s right for your case? These are the questions we hear most from dads at different stages of the process. Clear, honest answers below.
A Section 7 report is a document CAFCASS prepares when the court needs more information before making decisions about your child. It covers things like your relationship with your child, concerns from the other parent, and your views on future arrangements.
Very. Judges often base their decisions heavily on what’s written in this report – especially if there are safeguarding concerns, allegations, or disputes over contact. That’s why preparing properly is so important.
Questions often cover parenting history, your child’s routines, any concerns raised by the other parent, and how you manage conflict or communication. We help you prepare with mock interviews and coaching.
You’re allowed to respond – and you absolutely should if the report feels unfair, inaccurate, or one-sided. We help you draft a clear, respectful statement that highlights your concerns and brings the focus back to your child’s best interests.
Start by understanding what CAFCASS is looking for – and how they assess parenting capacity. We’ll guide you through what to expect, how to stay calm, and how to avoid common red flags.
Yes – especially if you’re self-representing. While a McKenzie Friend can’t speak in court, we can help you prepare for interviews, review your report, and write your formal response. We support you strategically throughout.
We guide you through the whole process:
Everything is included in one fixed fee – no hourly rates or hidden extras.
Typically 12–16 weeks from the initial court order, but times can vary. You’ll usually have an interview within the first few weeks – and that’s the moment you need to be ready for. We’ll help you get there.
Yes – we support fathers across England and Wales. Whether your hearing is in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Bristol, Leeds or beyond, our Section 7 service is available in person or remotely.
Absolutely. We often work with dads after the report is written, helping them review it and draft a strong response. It’s never too late to bring clarity and structure to your case.
It’s a fixed fee of £500 for full support – including prep, review, and response drafting. No hourly rates, no hidden extras. Just clear guidance from people who’ve written these reports themselves.
100%. Everything you share with us is private. We understand how sensitive these cases are – and we create a calm, judgment-free space where you can speak openly and plan confidently.
The court will consider your response alongside the CAFCASS report when making decisions. If you challenge the recommendations, the judge may ask questions or request further evidence. A well-structured reply helps ensure your voice is properly heard.
You can raise concerns about the content of the report – but not by attacking the officer. We help you stay focused on what matters: your child’s best interests, the facts of the case, and how to highlight imbalances respectfully and effectively.
Yes – in serious cases, they may suggest limited or no contact. But this is rare. If you’re worried that could happen in your case, we’ll help you prepare thoroughly, present your strengths, and respond calmly to any allegations raised.
Don’t let fear or confusion dictate your next move. Whether you’ve just received a Section 7 report or know one is coming, we’ll help you prepare properly – with strategy, structure, and calm guidance.
Every case starts with a free discovery call. No pressure. No judgement. Just straight-talking insight from someone who knows how these reports work – and how to respond effectively.
