What this planner is for

Being accused of something you did not do, especially in the middle of a separation or contact dispute, is one of the worst things a dad can go through. This tool helps you work out what to do next, in a calm and ordered way, rather than firing off an angry message or freezing up and doing nothing.

You tell it what has been alleged and a bit about your situation, and it gives you back a written plan covering the practical steps, the evidence worth gathering, and the people you may need to speak to.

When you might want to use it

It is aimed at separated fathers who are facing claims made by an ex-partner, a family member, or a third party, often in the context of child arrangements or divorce. That might be an accusation of domestic abuse, controlling behaviour, neglect of the children, drink or drug misuse, or something said to the police, social services, or Cafcass.

Use it if you have just been told about an allegation and do not know where to start, if a solicitor has asked you to set out your response and you need to get your thoughts in order first, or if you want a checklist to make sure you have not missed anything obvious. It is not a substitute for legal advice, but it will help you turn up to that advice meeting far better prepared.

How it works

You answer a short set of questions about the allegation, who has made it, where things stand with the children, and any deadlines or hearings you already know about. The planner then produces a step-by-step response in plain English, broken into things to do now, things to do this week, and things to keep on top of over the coming weeks. You can read it on screen, copy it, or save it for your own records. Your answers are not stored against your name, and nothing you write here is shared with the other side or with any court.