Reproduced from The Family Court without a Lawyer –
Scott Schedule
A Scott Schedule is a table used to help the Court and the parties see clearly what allegations are being made and what the response is to each. This helps the Court to analyse whether a fact finding hearing is actually necessary and ensures that if it is the evidence is focused on the issues that are actually in dispute, and that the judgment covers all the necessary points.
The person making the allegations starts by breaking down their allegations into separate numbered allegations, giving a date for each (or an estimation of the date if unsure) and a short summary of what it is said happened. The fuller account will be contained in the witness statement.
The person responding responds by writing next to each allegation “admitted” or “denied” or by giving a summary of the alternative version of events.
If the response involves making allegations against the other party (cross allegations) or if there are totally separate cross allegations (i.e. ones that are not simply alternate versions of the original allegations but which are not referred to at all in the allegations so far listed) these should be included in a counter schedule, which the person making the original allegations will need to respond to.
Bundle page references should be included if possible, but if not the witness statement should be identified by date and paragraph number given.
Document last updated May 2014
IN THE XXXX FAMILY COURT
CASE NO: XXXX
B E T W E E N :
NAOMI SMITH
APPLICANT
AND
JOHN SMITH
RESPONDENT
APPLICANT’S SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS SOUGHT
Date / Applicant’s allegation / Reference / Respondent’s response / Reference / Judge’s Finding1 / 20/06/10 / R punched A in the face, causing bruising / R’s statement 30/06/10 pa 6.
Bundle C25 / Denied / A’s statement 07/07/10 pa 3.
2 / 21/06/10 / R locked A in the bathroom and refused to let her out / R’s statement 30/06/10 pa 7. / Admitted / A’s statement 07/07/10 pa 4.
3 / 22/06/10 / R was abusive to A and called her a slag / R’s statement 30/06/10 pa 7. / Denied. A was abusive to R and pushed him. See counter schedule. / A’s statement 07/07/10 pa 4.
4 / 23/06/10 / R harassed A by telephoning her and coming to the house. / R’s statement 30/06/10 pa 7. / Denied. R accepts that he telephoned A and visited the house but at her instigation and invitation. / A’s statement 07/07/10 pa 4.
SignatureNAMEDATE
IN THE XXXX FAMILY COURT
CASE NO: XXXX
B E T W E E N :
NAOMI SMITH
APPLICANT
AND
JOHN SMITH
RESPONDENT
RESPONDENT’S COUNTER SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS SOUGHT
Date / Respondent’s Allegation / Reference / Applicant’s Response / Reference / Judge’s Finding1 / 19/06/10 / When drunk, A kicked R repeatedly and scratched his face, causing bleeding. / A’s statement 07/07/10 pa 1. / Denied. / R’s 2nd statement 20/08/10 pa 2.
2 / 22/06/10 / A was verbally abusive to R and pushed him. / A’s statement 07/07/10 pa 4. / A admits she pushed R but only in order to get away from him. / R’s 2nd statement 20/08/10 pa 3.
SignatureNAMEDATE