Communicourt assists people with communication needs in the family courts, at all stages. We assist in both private and public matters, working with respondents, intervenors and witnesses.
We have extensive experience assisting court users in this setting. Our intermediaries provide a vital service for people at very challenging moments of their lives, rapidly building rapport and implementing responsive communication strategies to facilitate their participation. Our role is to ensure that the service user is able to follow the thrust of proceedings, is supported to make and communicate informed decisions, can understand questions put to them and is able to give their best evidence.
Intermediary assessments and reports
Following an intermediary assessment, we will make a recommendation regarding whether an intermediary will benefit your client’s participation. In some cases, we may conclude that your client does not require an intermediary, or that they are unlikely to be able to effectively participate, even with intermediary assistance. Even when an intermediary is not recommended, Communicourt reports provide a detailed account of your client’s communication profile and wider recommendations to support their participation, including any special measures they may need.
It may be helpful to provide your client with information about the intermediary role and assessment process prior to their appointment. It may be helpful to share the ‘What is an intermediary assessment’ easy-read explainer with your client in advance. You can learn more about making referrals and bookings here.
Make a referral using our online portal or call us on 0121 663 0931 to discuss options for your client.
To learn more about the intermediary role in family proceedings, visit The Access Brief – a bank of free bite-sized guides developed for legal professionals by intermediaries.
Here you will find information about the intermediary role in Ground Rules Hearings, the purpose of ‘questions in advance’, and specific guidance on working with clients with common conditions which impact communication.
Testimonials
I have just been involved in a case where we used Communicourt for the first time and in family care proceedings. I was sceptical as to how a speech and language expert would help with an overly anxious client and thought I had a good rapport with the client so was it really needed. I was so wrong. I particularly valued the team approach given that for this client the stakes, as always in a care case, were incredibly high. I know that we were able to get him through the court process much better. All of us, including the judge, were very impressed with the service, thank you.
DIANA LESSING
I wanted to thank you again for your involvement in the case and your invaluable help today, even though the trial didn’t go ahead as planned. There is just no way I could have dealt with the issues involved and still have devoted the time to the client that she deserved. It reinforced my commitment to, and appreciation of, the work you and your colleagues do.
FAMILY BARRISTER
