14.3 *Top TIPS* Scott Schedule

 

Stop Press: In

1. Think about what evidence you have. When considering which allegations to raise, consider which incidents you have supporting evidence for (e.g., police or GP records, texts or social media) as this will strengthen your case. You may not get this evidence before the date set for you to complete your Schedule, so be careful to try and be precise about any details. It is important to remember that you do not have to have witnesses to your allegation; the court will listen to your evidence and decide if your account is accepted on the ’balance of probabilities’.
2. Ask for examples. The fact that the court limits the number of allegations can be a problem, especially if you are alleging a history of controlling or coercive behaviour. A frequently asked question is: ’How can I prove a course of coercive control over the entire relationship if I am required to limit my allegations?’ One way to deal with this is to ask that the court order which sets out the timetable for the fact-finding hearing makes clear that the limit of allegations ’does not prevent me from pursuing a case of coercive control over the course of the relationship‘. This can also be addressed and included in your position statements before each court hearing, where you can make the case to argue for more examples to be added to an updated Scott Schedule.
3. Know the legal process. At the court hearing you will give evidence in the ’witness box‘ or at your seat in the court room (unless you have applied for ’special measures‘) [52]. If  you have, you might be giving evidence via video.