Dirty Tricks in the Family Court: What Some Lawyers Do – and How Fathers Can Protect Themselves
- Falsely Accused Network
- Jan 9
- 4 min read
Written by Michael Thompson, Founder of the Falsely Accused Network
A practical guide for anyone facing unfair tactics from solicitors and barristers
---
Introduction
If you’re a father or falsely accused individual navigating the family courts of England and Wales, you’ve probably learned one harsh truth: the courtroom the public imagines is not the courtroom you actually face.
Most legal professionals act ethically. But a minority deploy strategic, manipulative, or downright unfair tactics designed to pressure, confuse, and disadvantage those without representation.
At the Falsely Accused Network, we hear these stories on our helpline every single week. This article explains the most common dirty tricks, told through a realistic scenario, and—more importantly—the practical solutions that work.
---
1. The Friday Night Bombshell Email
The Tactic
Aggressive demands dropped into your inbox at 4:57pm on a Friday:
“Respond within 24 hours.”
“Provide X immediately.”
“Failure to comply will be reported to the court.”
They know the courts and advice lines are shut. The intention is panic.
How to Counter It
Reply with a simple acknowledgement:
“I will respond within 3–5 working days.”
Ask for the legal basis:
“Please identify the order requiring this.”
Store everything for the judge.
Judges strongly dislike pressure tactics.
---
2. Implied Authority: Demanding Things They Have No Power to Enforce
The Tactic
They word things as though they have the power of the court:
“You must provide…”
“You are required to…”
“We expect you to…”
But outside a court order, they cannot compel anything.
How to Counter It
Ask:
“Please point me to the paragraph of the court order that requires this.”
If none exists, decline.
---
3. Drafting Court Orders Incorrectly or Misrepresenting What Was Said
The Tactic
When the opposing solicitor drafts the order, they may:
alter the judge’s words
insert obligations not agreed
remove protections for you
“accidentally” omit things in your favour
Then they send it quickly to court hoping you won’t notice.
How to Counter It
Compare the draft to your notes from the hearing.
Email the court immediately if it’s wrong.
Send your corrected version to both the court and the solicitor.
This is supported by FPR 29.11, which requires parties to approve drafts.
---
4. Submitting Draft Orders to the Court Without Sending Them to You
The Tactic
A solicitor bypasses you entirely and sends their version straight to a judge to get it sealed.
How to Counter It
Tell the court in writing:
“I must be copied into all draft orders before sealing.”
If bypassed, email the court with proof and attach your corrected version.
Judges often amend sealed orders when shown evidence.
---
5. Agreements Made in Court Disappearing From the Written Order
The Tactic
The barrister verbally agrees to something in court, but when the order arrives—it’s missing.
If it’s not written, it’s unenforceable.
How to Counter It
Before leaving the hearing, ask the judge:
“May I confirm that X will be recorded in the order?”
If missing later, email the court within 48 hours.
---
6. Document Dumping and Late Disclosure
The Tactic
Sending you hundreds of pages at 10pm the night before a hearing, hoping you can’t prepare.
How to Counter It
Ask the court to put a deadline in the order for all future disclosure.
If late material arrives, tell the judge you’ve not had time to review it and request time to reply after the hearing.
---
7. Misrepresenting Cafcass or Social Worker Views
The Tactic
“We’ve spoken to Cafcass and they agree with us.”
Often untrue.
How to Counter It
Ask for written confirmation.
Cafcass only gives positions in:
safeguarding letters
Section 7 reports
statements made to the judge
Anything else is hearsay.
---
8. Character Smears and Emotional Statements in Written Evidence
The Tactic
Long sections of irrelevant character attacks designed to provoke you.
How to Counter It
Keep responses factual.
Reject unsupported allegations.
Write:
“This is denied. No evidence has been provided.”
---
9. Pretending Something Is ‘Standard Practice’ When It Isn’t
The Tactic
“Contact automatically stops when there’s a police call-out.”
“You must provide phone records.”
“It’s standard for fathers to pay costs.”
Almost always false.
How to Counter It
The question that kills the tactic instantly:
“Please show me the rule, statute, or order that requires this.”
---
10. Using Threatening, Intimidating Language
The Tactic
“You risk prison.”
“The court will punish you.”
“Our client will seek costs.”
Often empty threats.
How to Counter It
Document the behaviour.
Stay calm.
Tell the judge if it becomes a pattern.
---
11. ‘You Don’t Need to Attend the Hearing’ — One of the Most Dangerous Lies
The Tactic
They tell you a hearing is “procedural” so you won’t attend.
If you’re absent, important changes can be made without challenge.
How to Counter It
Attend every hearing unless a judge explicitly excuses you in writing.
---
How Fathers and Litigants Can Protect Themselves
✔ Keep every piece of communication
✔ Respond calmly, briefly, and factually
✔ Ask for the legal authority behind every demand
✔ Ensure all agreements get written into the order
✔ Email the court immediately about inaccurate drafts
✔ Keep a detailed log of behaviour patterns
✔ Never let provocation dictate your tone
These strategies level the playing field more than most people realise.
---
Conclusion
The family court is supposed to be fair and transparent.
But when professionals exploit procedure against unrepresented or falsely accused fathers, the process becomes one-sided.
Understanding these tactics—and knowing how to counter them—puts you back in control.
If you’re facing these problems right now, you’re not alone.
Support exists.
---
Falsely Accused Network — Contact Details
Website: www.falselyaccusednetwork.co.uk
Email: support@falselyaccusednetwork.co.uk
Telephone: 0204 538 8788
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/FalselyAccusedNet
Comments