Guide to Court 1: 1st Hearing; Court Forms and Statement

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Guide to Court 1: 1st Hearing; Court Forms and Statement

Understanding the court process

Most parents would rather sort out arrangements for their children without involving the courts. But when agreement is not possible, making a court application may be the only way forward.

Before you apply, the court will usually expect you to have attended a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM). Exemptions exist for situations involving domestic abuse, child protection concerns, urgency, or where the other parent cannot be contacted. The full list of exemptions is set out in the C100 application form.

Family court applications for child arrangements begin with a First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment (FHDRA). This is the standard first hearing in private law children cases. At this hearing, a judge or magistrate will try to help both parties reach agreement. If that is not possible, the case moves to further hearings.

Applications can be made with notice, meaning the other parent receives the paperwork in advance. In urgent situations, you may apply without notice, but the court will only grant this where there is a genuine risk of harm or where delay would cause serious problems. You will need to explain in your application why the matter is urgent and provide supporting evidence where possible.

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Types of orders available

The courts can make several types of order under the Children Act 1989:

  • Child arrangements order: covers who a child lives with and when they spend time with each parent
  • Prohibited steps order: stops someone taking a specific action, such as removing a child from the country
  • Specific issue order: settles a particular dispute, such as which school a child should attend

Many fathers applying to court will be seeking a child arrangements order. This single order replaced the old residence and contact orders in 2014.

Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.

Completing the court forms

The main form for child arrangements is the C100. You can download it from GOV.UK or collect a copy from your local Family Court. The form asks for details about you, the other parent, and your children. It also asks what orders you are seeking and why. The MIAM confirmation section is now included within the C100 itself, so a separate FM1 form is no longer required.

Be factual when filling in the forms and avoid emotional language. The court is interested in facts, not opinions about the other parent's character. Ensure clarity if handwriting forms.

There is a court fee to submit your application. The current fee can be found on GOV.UK. You may be able to apply for help with fees if you are on a low income or receiving certain benefits.

Once you submit your forms, the court will send copies to the other parent along with a date for the first hearing. Cafcass will be notified and a Cafcass officer will contact both parents before the hearing to carry out safeguarding checks. These checks are standard and involve looking at police and local authority records. The Cafcass officer may also speak to you by telephone to gather initial information about your concerns and the child's circumstances.

Writing your statement

You will usually need to prepare a written statement setting out your position. Judges have limited reading time, so a focused and factual account will carry more weight than lengthy complaints.

Structure your statement in a logical order. Start with brief background about your relationship and when you separated. Then explain the current arrangements for the children and what problems have arisen. Finally, set out what you are asking the court to order.

Avoid personal attacks on the other parent. The court's primary concern is the children's welfare, although relevant conduct may be considered where it affects the children. Stick to what matters for the decisions the court needs to make.

Include dates and specific examples where you can. If contact has been refused, note when this happened. If there are concerns about the children's welfare, explain them clearly.

Your statement should be signed with a statement of truth confirming the contents are accurate to the best of your knowledge. Check the court's guidance on format and length, as page limits often apply. The court will set deadlines for when statements must be filed.

If you are representing yourself, consider seeking legal advice before your hearing. Some solicitors offer fixed fee consultations, and you may be eligible for legal aid if your case involves domestic abuse or you are on a low income. Free guidance is available from the Personal Support Unit, which operates in many court buildings, and from Citizens Advice. Law centres and legal clinics run by some universities also offer support. GOV.UK provides guidance specifically for litigants in person in family proceedings.

The Next Step

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Ask Separated Dads a Question
Chris 15/11/2019 at 6:07 pm
@loz.so this it for me been (good )to learn about (fathers rights) .but I have no use for them in (reality 10 years to late for me ).but it’s always good to learn new things .(might put my mind to something else now that I can achieve).
Chris 15/11/2019 at 5:35 pm
@loz.i feel with the 10 years off no contact is to long for any legal action now .so all I can do is wish them well in life .I have (politely )ask for (my surname) to be removed from( all legal documents off the child never got a reply but I hope they do ) as I feel with the time frame there is no need for the child to be using it and would be (a lot smarter) to go under her (mothers name or partners name ).and keep the (no contact rule) in place it’s best for everyone .then everyone can live a (peaceful life away from fights that will never be resolved .
Chris 15/11/2019 at 4:54 pm
@loz.i won’t to be going to (court for visitation) because the child is (15 ).but with the (knowledge )I have now about my rights .i would advise fathers out there to (go for it ).i didn’t know about my rights years ago plus I was in a lot off trouble (orders).so I (stay clear well clear )i don’t have any (contact or will ever contact them) .they have there life I have mine. that’s the way I see it now .so i am one off those fathers that don’t see there kids but there are (millions off us and it’s the end off the world) .she is a good mother plus it don’t matter anymore the child is growen up with her own life .(not much I can do about that now ).but if ever have another child I would know what to do get a (solicitor).
Loz 14/11/2019 at 8:12 pm
Do you require solicitor representation for a prohibited steps order
Janey 10/10/2019 at 1:02 pm
Hi I been I had two very unfair court hearing and both my children were taken off me 6 years ago.i recently went to court for more access.cafcass worker was same one I had 6 years ago and even told me to shut up even though I wasn't speaking.my daughters dad is a compulsive liar and lies through his teeth about me.reason I had my children taken off me was because I was diagnosed with a personality disorder.anything I said I was accused of losing.i was the only one telling the truth.im asking if there is someone high up I can tell as it's total discrimination and the dad got away Scot free from compulsive luring.
Nx 31/07/2019 at 2:34 pm
How to start family (children) matter in high court? What form is required? Application to list matter in family court is being rejected again and again by circuit judge.
Don't want to go there again. Want to make application in high court family division .
Appeal court also did not consider the application against circuit judge.
Sharon 05/06/2019 at 1:59 pm
Hi. I was with my partner for 8/9 years it was a volatile relationship he was very controlling and abusive police have been involved and he has been arrested and released without charge. We have two children together. We seperated and tried to reconcile but he is not willing to put the family first he is very angry and cannot leave the past behind, he won't take responsibility for any of his actions and he always blames others for his mistakes. He wouldn't accept help when we reconciled and he still continued to sit on his phone continuously throughout the day/night which is one of the major issues in the relationship in the first place due to him being unfaithful in past and sleeping with a prostitute and sending pictures of his privates to people. He blames me for this and says I drove him to it. I lost my mum and dad and whilst they were very ill and dying he was on dating websites. I have 4 children and my previous ex father of my eldest two has constantly caused trouble from day one and its still going through court now 12 years later. Relationships are hard, daily life is hard and loosing both parents did cause me extreme anxiety and depression which I am seeking help for through my doctors..I personally think that no matter how somone treats you if you don't want to be with them then don't but don't get cheating on them behind their back, the grass is not always greener on the other side. I am a good kind loyal person, yes I get cross, yes I tell my children off and yes I struggle with life sometimes but I have always been a good partner supportive caring and kind.
We recently split again due to his lack of change and commitment and I feel that his not willing to better ourselves as a family and wants to live on benefits. He says he is dying although his heart echocardiogram came back find his now having ct scans for copd which he thinks he now has. He is always diagnosing himself with something off the internet and when he mentions this to the doctors and has tests they tell him not to read into things and test results are all normal. He says he is dying and talks about going abroad for assisted suicide as he cannot live like this anymore I have all this in emails. He says I am a bad mother and that I have abused and controlled him for the whole time we were in a relationship together. We have a lot of outstanding debts which I have asked him to split but he refuses even though I have said I'll go to a small claims court.
Anyway we have split again and now he lives quite away from me and the children. I have offered him 1 phone a week on a Friday and I have also enquired about two contact centres which can facilitate contact for him quite quickly. I have set the ball rolling so to speak but he is refusing this contact centre and won't go to one. What can I do now any advice please
Saz 15/05/2019 at 5:58 pm
Hi my partner has had his 1st prohibited steps hearing this week due to his ex putting this in, can he put in for contact order whilst this is ongoing
Lee 22/03/2019 at 4:23 pm
hi i was supposed to be attending a final resolution hearing on the 7th of may at my local family court, where the rest of the case has all been dealt with, today i received a phone call from cafcass, asking me to meet them in London, for an interview, and then this afternoon i received an email from cafcass telling me the final resolution hearing is now on the 22nd of may and has been moved to southend family court, this is the first i heard of anything even regarding an extension, or a potential change of hearing, is this legal? and why would they change it to the other end of the country?
M277066 19/02/2019 at 10:36 pm
I’m looking for advice for my partner. Since him and his ex split my partner has always had his child every weekend fri-sun and then has him at his ex’s house 2/3 nights a week while she works. She has now decided after an argument between them that he can only have them every other weekend. He sometimes has them 6 nights a week depending on her shifts at work. What first steps do we have to take to get something in place so he has them 3 nights a week staying at our house? Do we go to a solicitor?
Pat 03/11/2018 at 10:47 pm
My son is in court Monday for first hearing for him to have contact with his children will he be able to show the judge text messages his ex sent me saying what a good dad he is but now she's saying he's abusive false allegations
HK 23/10/2018 at 6:17 pm
Hi, my friend got a married woman pregnant. She didn’t tell him until the day she was in labour. According to her, she told her husband the baby isn’t his, but it’s not known if this is true. My friend has been seeing the baby without husband knowing and wants to be an active dad with as much contact as possible. The woman’s husband is on the birth certificate and she is very volatile. She is also from Kazakhstan and has threatened moving there with the baby if the husband found anything else out. My friend is considering applying for parental responsibility and trying to get contact. He is scared of rocking the boat if he formally asks her, due to the flight risk. What does he need to do? Can he apply for PR at court or are there steps before that? How long will it take to get into court for a decision? The other woman has lied about a lot of things and there is a real flight risk given she has a house in Kazakhstan. It would be good to know how best to approach this legally and preferably without her just going abroad. Baby is 6 weeks old.
Thanks
Daddydolittle 14/10/2018 at 2:47 pm
Hi, I am acting on behalf of my son who is working abroad. He and his ex-wife agreed telephone contact on a Sunday by agreement in August. Since then the mobile phone has not been on apart from twice, when he has been able to speak to his daughter for around 5 minutes. Excuses are made the daughter is ill but in most cases the mobile phone is not turned on. As my son lives abroad can he still apply for a Contact Order whilst he is abroad and include what contact he would like when and if he returns to the UK. His daughter is 8 years old and his ex-mother in law insists he daughter doesn’t want to speak to him but doesn’t give any reason for his. Any advice would be grateful as I would need to represent my son as he is abroad.
Akrm 20/09/2018 at 7:11 pm
I applied for direct contact but dismissed by District Judge, applied permission to appeal and got oral hearing without asking. Now permission to appeal dismissed and no further hearing by Circuit Judge. With no judgement notes. Now can I appeal to Court of Appeal or apply again C100 and when ? Please help, I am an LIP. Thanks.
SeparatedDads Editor 18/09/2018 at 3:37 pm
Unfortunately, whatever the reason your ex is not allowing you access to your child, your only recourse is to go through the motions laid out via which
Mister 18/09/2018 at 7:32 am
I separated from my ex in March. We had been living seperatly for 6 months before that but still had a physical relationship throughout that time. I'm pretty sure she met someone else because all of a sudden she is making it impossible for me to see my 4 years old Angel. There has never been abuse of any kind and I don't understand it. I'm out of work but was always very generous in the past. I don't deserve this. Do I?
gary 17/09/2018 at 5:19 pm
hi all , my partner has accused me of 1 violent assault, apprently throwing her against her wall and dragging her off the sofa. however i have responded to her allegations with oure denial as this never happened, she has never reported to the police or anyone else, also her doctors letter came threw saying they had no concern when we was together of any domestic abuse. so with no evidence at all will the court allow a supervised interim contact until the finding if fact hearing, i am in court thursday to direct whether there needs to be one and have been advised there most probaly will, does any legal adviser or judge ask for any evidence before decding this? please someone respons
SeparatedDads Editor 07/09/2018 at 9:50 am
whichwill help you/him further as it gives you a link to the court forms to fill in. Your son may wish to join the Separated Dads forum if he is representing himself - our dads can give help and advice having been through the process previously.
Ness63 06/09/2018 at 6:21 am
Hi, can anyone tell me how my son can represent himself in court to get supervised access with his daughter? Social services have no problem with him seeing her as long as contact is supervised but my sons ex is refusing to let family supervise contact so he's been told his only option is to apply for a contact order at court. We don't know which form to fill in. He will have to represent himself as he's on benefits. He has parental responsibility and has had contact 'on and off' with his daughter for 3 years, depending on his ex's moods. Thank you
Ads88 20/08/2018 at 3:30 pm
Hi all, My ex left me over 2 month ago we have a 5 month old baby boy together, when she left we agreed to do things amicably. When I rang the next day to ask when she was bringing him to see me her mother(ex’s Mum) answered and told me not to call again and that I ain’t seeing him so then I told her that I’ll just turn up at there home and fight in court if needs be, the next thing I know I’m in the police station amswering allegations about domestic abuse etc over the years in our relationship (witch are false) the police came to the decision of no further action as there isn’t any proof (obviously) the next thing I know they have taken a non molestation order out on me witch I attended court for and agreed to undertakings where I accepted the non mol but not the allegations! Since then I tried mediation I attended my MIAM and she didn’t turn up to her non of hers (2) to witch I asked for my application to court. I have now paid for court and am awaiting on my hearing date! How long does this usuall take to receive my date and then how long is it usually to get to court? Also these allegations they have made against is it going to turn the judge/cafcas against me?! The pain of not seeing my boy is unreal and the thought of having to wait even longer lols. Thanks in advance
SeparatedDads Editor 03/08/2018 at 2:00 pm
I think your question might be best answered via our forum. Sometimes, it's good to get advice from dads who have been through a similar situation before and who can give the best advice through personal experience.
mashaandbear 02/08/2018 at 7:51 pm
been having my son stay with me every Friday and Saturday(And sometimes Sunday night) for 4 years since breaking up with my ex. When she is in a bad mood or annoyed she regularly still denies me access. I took her to court before but did not get an order(worst mistake ever) as the judge said we could sort it out between us. She is now denying me access again saying I made a nasty comment about her to my son. Have tried to resolve the matter with her but I just getting abuse and the phone put down on me. Is this really grounds for stopping me see my son? Today I attended the MIAM meeting which went really well and have my C100 signed by a mediator. Tomorrow the C100 is going to the court. Should I ask for an interim contact order as the second hearing could take 6-8 months to reach. it's already been 2 months and first court date could take 8 weeks. That's over a year without seeing my son(
Neil80 Editor 03/08/2018 at 1:38 pm
@hassaan - it can be ajourned until a later date, or the court can make a decision without the respondent being there.
hassaan 02/08/2018 at 5:20 pm
i got a hearing in court for child contact order, i wanted to know what happens if the respondent doesnt turn up at the hearin?
SeparatedDads Editor 26/07/2018 at 12:39 pm
If your fiancé's has personal responsibility of his child, then his ex should have requested consent to remove the child from the area if she planned to move. However, if the resident parent has taken the child without consent then your fiancé would be able to apply straight to court (without having to go through mediation). You can see more via whichwhich will tell you all you need to know.
Eve 25/07/2018 at 9:48 am
Hi. My fiancee is trying to see is his daughter but his ex is very difficult and took their daughter 500 miles away. He has tried calling on the days and times she requested but he doesn't get to speak to her. He would like to have regular contact...can you advise what action he should take please?
Mr. MacKenzie 14/07/2018 at 11:34 pm
Can a Prohibited Steps Order be discharged at the First Hearing after the Order has been issued?
mongoose 11/06/2018 at 8:02 pm
Can someone tell me what court order I need or how much I have to pay roughly ...not bothered about a solicitor.
I'm in process of divorce and my wife has joined army for 14 weeks training and given me our six year old boy.
I am also in army but rent a house and put my son in school near my partner who I live with and his Nan who picks him up and drops him off at school.
She thinks she's walking back in taking him from school and moving him to birmingham which my sons said he doesn't want to go. She has no family there or friends and my son will end up with babysitters instead of family he knows with me.
I work away Monday to Thursday but I'm home every weekend and have his Nan on hand all week and he is happy.
Hes made friends and lives his school so I'm planning to tell her no and to go apply for residency.
She pays me buttons for caring for him so also thinking should I go csa?
I just want my son to be happy ..me and my new partner are having his sister in Oct and hes excited about it we both want him here .
Help needed asap have four weeks to stop her taking him.
Reub Editor 08/06/2018 at 12:10 pm
@Bgibbs - it must have been more than a call and letter to have the police say you would be arrested for harassment. It can take a while and take a while to come to court.
SiH Editor 22/05/2018 at 9:57 am
@Poltz23 - your ex can write to the court saying she wants to postpone the dates to see if the situation can be solved out of court.
Poltz23 21/05/2018 at 2:38 pm
Hi,

My partner has just filed a C100 form because I wasn't prepared to give my written consent for them to ta el abroad this summer. I gave the written consent before she submitteed the form but asked for 5 working days to consider some conditions I wanted to include in my consent, regarding contact while they were away etc. She refused to wait for those conditions, which I provided in writing today, and submitted the C100 anyway. This seems like an enormous waste of court time, and her money. Can the process be stopped or do we have to see it to completion now that the form has been submitted?

Cheers

Marc
SeparatedDads Editor 17/05/2018 at 3:44 pm
, which should answer your question.
walter oneill 17/05/2018 at 12:34 pm
Hello. my son and his girlfriend have split, he is listed on birth cert, but she is not refusing access or offering very small or supervised access her offer was one day and night a fortnight, am i right in thinking he has same parental rights as her, shouldnt he be entitled to two or three days a week shared ? also one the day we are supposed to have her she has sent so many unreasonable demands such as limited food, no food after certain times etc. mediation failed she cancelled as no babysitter, we are willing to go court but what are our rights. ?
Billy Editor 17/05/2018 at 3:11 pm
@jjjcol - be careful here as this is not about you and your ex - this is about your kid and the courts are not interested in you slagging off your ex, or her slagging off you. This will get you nowhere. I'd see a solicitor or join the forum on here - you need some better advice than what you are currently planning to do.
jjjcol 17/05/2018 at 10:57 am
Split with ex three weeks ago, I had initial access to my son after been ask to leave the family home with I did peacefully. However she has not made ridiculous and untrue allegations against me concerning domestic and fininincial abuse from me to her. All of which I’m able to provide evidence and statements proving that she has lied in her first statement to the court. In addition to this I have also prepared some very damming statements concerning her abuse of the benefit system and how she looks after my son without me there is causing him risk to hygiene and mental health. So as it stands I cannot contact my ex or my son until the case is heard in court on June 4th. I believe the evidence I provide will be damming and without question prove my ex has lied to the court and will also trigger social services involvement. Despite the fact we have split and that is final I do not want to air all her faults in a court and get her into serious trouble with benefit fraud, child abuse when we could sort this through mediation and me having regular contact with my son to safeguard his wellbeing and welfare. My only contact option is to write to her solicitor asking them to contact the her to withdraw the non-molestation order and begin mediation which I am happy to pay for. Should and how can I word this letter?
ResiMum 28/04/2018 at 11:41 am
I have a residence order granted April 2014 and a contact order for my ex who lives abroad. Weekly Skype call and when he returns in the summer for the first 5 days contact hours are gradually increased to build relationship and all being well he can take the kids to family home in Germany for 1 week. Over the years I have never refused contact whenever he randomly returns, which can be any time of year. He has missed almost all Skype calls and ignored calls and texts from our kids for weeks on end. He is threatening to take me to court because I have refused for the boys to go to Disneyland Florida for 1 week. I have said he can take them to Europe instead. Our children are autistic and suffer terribly from the inconsistency and being ignored after contact and exhaustion from long travel. My ex refuses to acknowledge their diagnosis nor show empathy for the impact of his disappearing for weeks. He is verbally abusive towards me and I believe simply wants to get me in a court to “embarrass” me like he did last time when I was immediately granted full residence and his contact was vastly reduced. It is not about the kids but power, manipulation and control as it is him who does not follow the order, I have accommodated and increased contact time, even traveling abroad myself at my expense to facilitate contact and deliver the kids, he denies the basic needs and interests as well as wellbeing of the kids by dismissing their autistic diagnosis. I am not yet sure what the basis is for wanting to return to court as contact has never been denied other than to cause stress and maximum distress. Is there a way to stop him dragging us back to court whenever he does not get his way, which is beyond what is on the order? I do not want to be in his presence and I have cut off direct communication with me but not contact with the kids. I believe he has undiagnosed mental health issues. One minute he is moving back to the UK then to Europe (he lives between 2 countries in South America) then he is too ill to return the kids’ calls and texts then he wants to take them to Florida. He is causing me and the kids a great deal of anxiety and I wish he would just focus on being an accessible parent rather than trying to control me. When I was granted the residence order his reason for taking me to court was that he wanted me to have to ask his permission whenever the kids and I went on holiday-bearing in mind he did not live in this country, had not seen the kids in over a year and was not contributing financially. The judge immediately granted me the residence order. At present he sees the kids about twice a year whenever he decides to visit. There must be a way to stop this malicious controlling behaviour. I have not denied contact. It takes 6 weeks to settle the kids after the rollercoaster contact time they have with him due to their autism and he flatly refuses to follow advice to prevent these meltdown that I then have to deal with and the school.
SeparatedDads Editor 23/04/2018 at 10:55 am
If mediation hasn't solved the issue, then next and only option would be to apply to court.
Sam 22/04/2018 at 7:55 pm
I’ve been divorced almost 3 years but can’t get my ex out the house
It is a housing association house joint tenancy. I’ve been to mediation and have my certificate but I’ve got no idea what to do next plz help
AndyV Editor 13/04/2018 at 11:30 am
@Jlowry - so what about your ex - do you not think she might like some time to herself too? Why should she have to work around and sacrifice her time to your job and lifestyle? Just playing devil's advocate here. The current agreement sounds like a pretty fair agreement as you don't have your kids all weekend. You can only but apply to court to see what happens. Most basic arrangements work around having the kids every other weekend and one night in the week. Reduce it now though and what happens if you split up with your current g/f? You might then regret putting your kids second.
Jlowry 12/04/2018 at 3:02 pm
I am a separated Dad who currently has my children every Wednesday evening during school times (full day in the holidays), every Sunday for the whole day and every other Saturday into Sunday.

I have requested to change the times to every other Saturday into Sunday.

This would mean I have the children every other Saturday into Sunday and every Wednesday. However my ex partner refused this.

The reason I would like to change the days is that I have a high profile job that requests me to work a certain amount of Sundays in the year. I am also in a new relationship now and feel that I have no quality time with my other half as every full day I have of is with the children.

I love my children very much and will always give them the very best, I also feel that having them the extra night a month will be beneficial for both sides.

What are the chances of this holding up in court? I know cafcass will put the children at the heart of everything, I feel that I am being reasonable.

Please let me know your thoughts.

Thank you.
BBB Editor 15/03/2018 at 12:26 pm
@Tray - it sounds like every parent's worst nightmare. Don't be too hard on Social Services, they have to do their job and investigate complaints. Hopefully this will all blow over for you once the investigations find you haven't done anything. If your conscience is clean then you have nothing to worry about. It's just that they have to investigate and of course we would want them to if it wasn't directed at ourselves or if we thought someone else was mistreating our kid.
SeparatedDads Editor 12/02/2018 at 10:23 am
We get hundreds of questions per day across this website, and we try to answer as many as we can. However, unfortunately we cannot answer them all.
Hendry 11/02/2018 at 12:44 pm
This is the most discussed page on the website and no response provided. Please provide a response so we can see how these issues get resolved. Most of these questions are not answered.
Mimi 20/01/2018 at 1:09 pm
Hi,our story is long, sorry .
My husband has two kids from a previous relationship. One lived with us for about a year and the second was sent to us because his ex 'could not cope' and stayed for about 6 months We were paying for everything , private school , clothing etc. She was calling them very seldom .In the summer she had them for two weeks holiday and refused to give them back ( her and my husband argued about money). Since then she refused all contact with the children. During that time she had taken them to China( where she is from)without his consent and knowledge, put them into boarding school and came back to the UK. She kept that all a secret for about 4 months. Their age is 7 and 3.
What can he do? She lives in UK and has properties. Children were born in the UK and do not speak Chinese and way to young to stay in a foreign country without a parent. He wants them back.
Police says for them that is not a crime ( for us that is abduction)and social services say it outside their jurisdiction..?!
J 27/12/2017 at 11:37 pm
Hello. My sons fiancée just left him and their baby is due 14/3. We are all devastated she has said she fuesntvwant him at birth and that she has seen a solicitor. What chance does my son have of getting joint custody tights and when and where do we start the process? Thdnknyoj. Disappointed grandparent.
T 26/12/2017 at 9:17 pm
Hi, I were wondering if I could get some advice, my Ex partner is not letting me meet my Son & also refuses to put me on the birth certificate, I have been sending Birthday & Christmas Presents/Cards ect but she has not given them to him. What would be my steps & rights In a court matter?
Danred1 07/12/2017 at 6:01 pm
Hi, Im hoping for a little bit of advice. My ex-wife refused mediation, as she knows I want more contact with my 8 year old boy. Because of this I have applied to the courts and completed the C100 form. As I didnt want major issues, I did not advise the court that there has been previous domestic violence from her to me, which I have written evidence of, as she attacked me in front of a lot of people 1 year ago, whilst at my sons football match. She hasn't shown physical violence since and I am trying to put the incident behind me. However last week she has made up a lot of lies and place a Non-Molestation Order against me, so I have now had no choice but to bring up the past event, amongst other things. I am worried the I may be in trouble as I didnt disclose her previous act of violence when initially completing the C100 form? I have the court hearing on the 20th Dec and not sure whether to inform the courts now and try to explain or wait until the day? Any help would be appreciated.
Gttm 20/10/2017 at 8:13 pm
I Just bene urgently court hearing without notice
Because my ex said if she gonna find out I am
I been told bailiff will handle her letter she can’t take my daughter from uk
Is she alow to leave a country for a holiday ? For. Final court we are waiting now date of hearing

Just find out their want to go abord but I am not sure is she will be stopped
Chuck 13/09/2017 at 2:46 pm
What do I do if i know my ex (the respondent) has used my final statement to influence the content of his?
A mutual exchange was arranged but I was given an incomplete / unsigned copy. he received mine in full at that time.
I requested a full copy and now I have two documents, one that has changes that were clearly made after my statement had been handed to him.
Do I lodge this with court? Or do I have to wait until the hearing?
thanks!
Ashley 11/09/2017 at 10:47 am
Hi, ive been split from my ex for around 6 months and since then ive only been allowed to see my children (3&2) supervised for 2hours once a week with my exs mother. Ive never been violent or abusive and feel im being treated very unfair. Ive paid maintenance every week since splitting up and even paid extra for clothing/shoes etc.
Im told i will be allowed unsupervised visits when my exs mother feels i can be trusted. She seems to have a crazy idea that i would run away with the children LOL.

My question is.. do i hold out abit longer until my exs mother trusts me or do i go to court for a contact order?

Im not even asking for overnight stays yet, just unsupervised visits for a whole day. Can even start with unsupervised visits once a week for couple hours to start building trust and gradually extend it.
Dadoftwo 09/09/2017 at 9:45 am
Need advice.
Sorry, long story , my ex left in september 2014 and took our two children (now 6 & 4). She moved 200 miles away to her family and immediately moved her new bf in. New boyfriend has previous ss involvement and lost his own two children, and has mental health issues. From the october, ss became involved due to domestic violence, they moved around repeatedly and in and out of hostels and back to the boyfriend's again. Incidents occurred every couple of months (the bf trying to suffocate my youngest, kids being hit locked in bedroom school attendance). I was denied access for the first 6 months after them moving away. They were put on a CIN plan early 2016 and still things got worse. December 16 the bf hit my daughter (now 6).She told school and social worker. It was found that the huge mark on her face WAS caused by large adult hand and non accide tal. BF arrested and bailed to have zero contact with the kids. Mother still adamant the injury was accident done at school and insists still my daughter is lying. Both kids placed CPP in January this year under physical and emotion abuse and neglect and citing the mother cannot protect the children from harm. Police dropped charge in March and mother immediately moved him back home.
Following a CPP review in March and hearing the distress my kids get and their appearance being dishevelled and nit infested whenever they vist me, SS started legal planning.
The kids visited me and my wife for a week at Easter and we decided enough was enough and the children remained with us.
Started court proceedings in April and got urgent prohibitive steps order. Kids registered new school and gp within 3 weeks of them remaining with us.
We are fully supported by their social worker. (Their social worker is still involved with Mother as she has new baby with this man).
First hearing at court inJune gave me interim residence and kept prohibited steps in place. Mother denied everything and claims everyone's ganged up on her blah blah blah. Court ordered section 7 report
from social worker and brief cafcass report.
Mother denied it all to cafcass and told them I was physically abusive during out relationship and still to our daughter (i never have been never will be..and crb is clear).
August we had a transfer meeting to move the two kids from the mothers social services area to mine. Deemed at no risk and all needs met. Kids taken off all plans and we have family intervention team via school to help with daughters behaviour. COULDNT BELIEVE IT SO HAPPY.
Section 7 report done, fully in mine and my wifes favour, requests one phone call a week with mother and one half day visit a month and no overnight and no contact with her now fiance.
In court yesterday for second hearing. Annoyed not a lot happened. Judge read the section7. Mother denied it all and adamant she wants kids home. Judge now wants statements and a final full day hearing.

My question-what is the point of section 7 repo
Suerose 22/08/2017 at 6:02 pm
Hi my bother has just gone to court to get access to see is son, cause is ex accused him of rape & its still been investigated the court has cancelled the hearing and are going send letters out again when they got go back court. Could any body explain procedure plz
SeparatedDads Editor 28/07/2017 at 12:33 pm
You can pay in person at the court by cheque, cash, debit or credit card or by post with a cheque made out to ‘HM Courts and Tribunals Service’. I hope this helps.
Sib 27/07/2017 at 2:25 am
Hello ever body, this is my first time here I am going to apply for a child contact order, I have already attended mediation meeting and I will receive certificate on 27.07.17 I have filled up c100 form and have found nearest court.
My question is how to pay the fee and how to submit my application?
Thanks for your support.
whats this 23/07/2017 at 2:50 pm
could anyone help me i am trying to get hold of maintance paperwork from 27 yrs ago as i have lost mine i have case number
any ideas will be welcomed
thank you
Mickey 17/07/2017 at 5:28 pm
I have been to the first hearing with my child's mother and was unable to resolve my case so have received a letter inviting me to another hearing. It says I need to write a statement to my child's mother. I am a bit confused by this as I thought at this stage I would only need to address the court and cant seem to find any advice online about how to go about this
Braddad 14/07/2017 at 11:31 am
Hi, Me and my ex partner have been split for over a year now, I have constant access to my daughter Thursday night through till Saturday Morning. But she is starting primary school in September and my ex partner is now saying I need to get weekends off in order to see her otherwise I will not see her at all, I put to her that I can take her to school on a Friday which I have off every week she said this is not healthy on my child getting up early to take her to school we live roughly the same distance from the school if not I live slightly further. But she's very controlling on my life, E.g. my daughter is only allowed to see me none of my family members at all otherwise she'll stop me from seeing my daughter, She stops me from taking her to see my girlfriend who has no problems at all she has a child too. Constantly feel like I'm walking on egg shells with her and anything I do she needs to know, My name is on her birth certificate and has my last name if any of this helps?
DOM 29/06/2017 at 6:25 pm
I have been to court to change a resident order as my daughter now lives with me, i have 1 hearing which they wanted a feeling and wishes report done on my child. I now have to fill out a form on the court website in responds to a cafcass report but I do not know what form it is ?

Thanks in advance
A 20/06/2017 at 9:43 pm
Hello there, my girlfriend has been served a C79 by her ex. She's going to self represent, could you advise what form(s) she needs to complete for court? Many thanks
SeparatedDads Editor 20/06/2017 at 4:21 pm
You would have to seek legal advice to see whether you can appeal the decision. Generally, appeals should be lodged within 21 days. This timeline is very strict.
Julie 20/06/2017 at 3:08 pm
I wish to return to court and ask judge to look again at the assessments done on myself ,which were lies and proven to be yet the Social worker at the time proceeded to present these lies to a judge thus why I have been stopped from taking care of my grandchildren who are up for adoption .
carl0418 21/05/2017 at 6:28 pm
I'm at whits end and desperate for some help.
I'm being refused any sort of access to my 8 yr old.
When his mother and me finally split after a year of constant arguments. Things were semi civil between us.
I was allowed to see my son. It wasn't easy but I got to see him.
Most of our arguments revolved around money. And silly things about the break up.
She worked nights and her eldest would watch him she went work. For the past few years this would be my responsibility.
She had a physical fight with her son and he moved out.
I was told I would have to watch my son. Which of course I did.
It wasn't easy considering I was staying at families.
We ended up having words over the time she was dropping and the fact she couldn't stick to them.
She stopped me having him.
And now she's refusing any form off access.
I was paying a lot of money to her and have dropped that to the amount the CSA have told me.
It has also been proven that she was having a affair and had since moved this person into the family home.
They have rang the police to say I've made threats against them.
No further action from the police after I agreed to give a statement on tape and proved that there was two sides to the story.
I'm being accused of all sorts including abuse towards her and my son.
What can I do about all of this.
I just want my son in my life
Dad2202 11/05/2017 at 10:37 pm
Help!

I am trying to find a stated case t
Which prevents a my ex getting residence order via getting a prohibted steps order. She has applied for a prohibited steps order hearing tommrrow morning and i know there is a stated case which blocks the steps as it makes them have full custody.
Thanks
Mo 16/04/2017 at 1:42 pm
I left the UK in a couple of months ago and trying to sort out a contact order from here. My ex and I are in agreement about everything so hopefully things will move smoothly. Do I need to apply in her local court or I can do it in any court?
Single Dad 13/04/2017 at 12:04 am
please can you send me some information on making a file/bundle and how it should look like. Also any chance of getting a copy of that guide please. Second hearing in June, at current section 7 been ordered plus section 8 from my ex. Applying for contact for son who she has not seen me in three years because she has denied me any access got P off so going through court with no solicitor. She got solicitor and cafcass on her side by the looks of it. Any idea of how many statements I should try and get for evidence. Also any body know any good cases I could take in a extra evidence or support. what I mean is Mr.Smith Applicat v Mrs.Smith child contact order cases that are proven winners. Anyway thanks guys any advice would be great and of value. Good luck. anser
JR 26/03/2017 at 7:36 pm
Hi all,

I'd like advice on the following please. My ex has stopped contact between me (father) and my daughter (5 years old) My ex and I have a tempremental relationship and sometimes do not see eye to eye, however over the past 2 years I have been seeing my daughter every other month, some long weekends and also during the school holidays. I live in London and my daughter lives in Devon, travel can be expensive as I'm unemployed but my family and I priorities my daughter. My daughter is very much part of my family and I would like advice on what I can do to gain access to my daughter, as my ex will chop and change her mind regarding when and if I can see my daughter depending on how she feels on that day.
I'm also a little worried as my ex is moving to a new part of England at the end of April a) I don't agree with move as my daughter is flourishing where she is now and has a good family unit b) if they move before my exes mood changes I won't know where my daughter is. I currently do not have any legal access rights, however I am named on my daughters both certificate. Any advice would be appreciated.
Amraiz 13/03/2017 at 7:12 am
hi
need advised about how to withdraw child arrangement order application from family court.recently i put application to seek contact to my children but i change my mind. can you please provide information thanks
SeparatedDads Editor 09/02/2017 at 10:35 am
You might wish to seek legal advice regarding this and/or ask a solicitor to write a letter. It could point out the reasons why it is not in her best interests to attempt to leave the area before the PSO is heard.
sutty 08/02/2017 at 7:34 am
Hi I've recently been told by my children that they are moving away in 3 months time new schools new home etc all this was done without my knowledge as I dnot drive it will be impossible for me to have regular contact as mum told them if I want to see them I have to go to them it's an hour half away I've been advice to apply for prohibited steps order could this be done very quickly and will she still be able to move if I apply
SeparatedDads Editor 06/02/2017 at 10:53 am
I think in this case, and to be on the safe side, you should refer the matter back to court to request a variation. If your ex has had nothing to do with your child since the order was issued and does not have contact currently, then there is no reason why the court would object to the move. However, you may also wish to seek legal advice to explore your options.
Vicky 05/02/2017 at 11:32 am
Hi I'm looking a bit of info I've been split from my ec almost 5 years we went threw difficult proceedings with court via social services anyway o was advised to leave here and go to my mums in Scotland for a while anyways during this hearing my partner put a prohibitited order in place my question is now that we are no longer in court proceedings finished over 3years ago but I'm wanting to know now case is felt with and all.closed (father doesn't see child supervised access was offers but he refused and has walked away) but with a prohibited order in place then how long does it stay in place and would.it of ceased now that there is no longer any court proceedings?
Pad 02/02/2017 at 11:07 pm
My ex applied for a non molestation order and an occupation order - neither were granted.
I signed an undertaking not to go near property or have contact with ex.
The judge set out a schedule for the applicant (my ex) to apply under schedule 7 of the the family law act to decide the tenancy of our joint tenancy council property - but she has not served a copy of the application on me by the prescribed time.
I don't know if she has served on landlord or made the application to the court. Where does this leave me? And what should I do?
None 23/01/2017 at 7:19 pm
My son and his wife have separated and she got a non molestation order on him, basically she lied and was very manipulative , the order is no longer in place ,my son has his children 3 nights a week when he takes good care of them they get bathed and have clean clothes to go to school in .something which is a course for concern when they are with her ,there are 5 children the oldest is 15and not biologically my sons , he seems todo his own thing and lives with his mum ,the other 4are aged 10to15monthsold however the youngest is not my sons although my son has him 3 nights a week along with his children . My son pays child support and also provides clothing and social stimulation for his children ,but his ex plays mind games , recently he was getting nothing but grief from his ex picking a way at him all the time so my son said he wouldn't be picking up the youngest child , so now she has said he can't see his biological children anymore . My son has no money to go to see a solicitor after he has paid his child support rent household bills and food etc , he works full time and doesn't know which way to turn . May I also mention that he has been left with large debts from the marriage and has had to declaim himself bankrupt , any advice would be much appreciated re court costs to apply for joint custody and hopefully stop her playing these games as its affectin my son and his children
Sunny 13/12/2016 at 1:38 pm
My wife made domestic violence allegation on me when my son was two mouths old . I got arrested and left on bail after year court give suspended sentence and community order. After all this me and my wife gone back together again but in few months I felt scared tht she gonna make me arrest again so I left her but she want me back again which I don't want she made condition if I will not be with he she will not let me c my son . Which she did so is tht any way I can get contact with my child because of domestic violence happen before he is on child protection plan . Pleas advise me what to do .
Mick 14/11/2016 at 2:01 am
I have received a c100 from my wife which is asking the court not to allow me contact with my children. She has made a PSO too in emergency and argued domestic violence against me.

Instead of just attending hearings can I also make a c100 application as a counter or do I let the court allocate it to FDRHA and take it from there. Which forms do I use to say my part?
Jacob 09/11/2016 at 8:28 pm
I recently filed a c100 form to the court. I have a hearing in Dec. My questions are what happens a during this? Also I stayed in the form that my ex stopped contact without given explanation. She did. Would this go against me
SeparatedDads Editor 27/10/2016 at 2:16 pm
I'm afraid we can't advise on this due to the fact we can only issue basic guidance and your son and his ex are already on the Social Services register and you are already progressing your case. I can only direct you to the NSPCC, where you can get further advice from a trained counsellor
Nona 27/10/2016 at 12:25 am
I'm in desperate need of help. My husband and I currently have our grandson living with us after his mum left back in early Sept after my son and her split up and she couldn't take the baby back to her mums as it was unsafe for baby, police were going to put him into protective custody of we didn't take them on, and now his dad, my son, left a week ago. They were living with us with baby but we had constant rows about their ability to look after the baby, he'd already been harmed at the house they left. The mum has mental health problems and cuts herself and my son has a drug problem. We have grave concerns as they now want to take the baby as they have a b&b but we believe the baby wouldn't be safe with them. The social service bloke who is on the case in our borough is less than useless & the health visitor is very worried but there's a limit to what she can do. We're currently filling out a C100 form as urgent, can anyone advise us about anything else we can do? Any other forms to help us get urgent custody of our grandson? Thanks in advance
Worried new grandma 04/10/2016 at 12:20 pm
Please can anybody help. My son is 21 and his baby is 5days old. His ex partner is under the mental health and currently in a mental hospital with the baby, she is constantly saying she wants to kill herself and self harms after hearing voices. She has said she dosent want the baby. The girls mother is very intimadating telling the girl things that are not true. Also the girls mother is manlipulating the daughter.
My son is desparate to have contact but his ex partner says one minute he can see the baby next minute he cant. He wants to take this to court but can not afford the costly fees and just dosent know what to do.
Please please advise
SeparatedDads Editor 27/09/2016 at 2:14 pm
I'm afraid we cannot anticipate what the judge may decide.
Mick 27/09/2016 at 11:50 am
I split with my ex years ago ,firstly I've always wanted to be in my sons life ,but in this case over the 11 years she made this very difficult for me ,so I took the matter to Court and started having contact etc ,my son is on a child protection list due to her mothers relationship with violent men drugs and alcohol. The matter made the court once again and my son was removed from her house and he now lives with me ,so I've suggested and encouraged the contact with his mam to take place every other fortnight and half the holidays (just like I was awarded at court) but now I love in North East and she's in Yorkshire I suggested a half way meet point at Middlesbrough for contact ,now my ex is refusing to do this cause she has two other kids and can't get child care but yet can when she goes out drinking etc ...surely she's in the wrong on this matter also states she's skint bit manages to drink and smoke cigarettes.., I work full time aswell but my wife takes my son for contact . What advice is needed and what will the judge say cause I emailed him and due back in court this thursday 29th spetember 2016 . Thanks for reading
Loz 21/09/2016 at 8:16 am
I'm in a situation where me and the mother of my child are not talking. Her choice. We are unable to get on due to conflicted opinions, my attitude has become more heated and I find myself overwhelmed with frustration, coming across angry to her when we do talk as she is being unreasonable and unmoving to my requests to ask only to talk to my daughter on the phone. Its been over a month since I spoke to my daughter and her mother absolutely refuses to allow me to talk to her again based only on my argumentative attitude towards to her mum. This is wrong surely? Can you advise at all please?
Sauce 20/09/2016 at 3:12 pm
HEY THERE FARTHERS MY KIDS MUM HAS MOVED FROM HER HOUSE MOVED MY KIDS OUT OF THIER SCHOOL TRIED TO TALK TO MY KIDS RANDOMLY SHE DRAGGED MY KIDS UP THE ROAD WITH THEM SCREAMING TO SPEAK TO ME
ANYWAY I NEED TO SEE MY KIDS THERE WAS A NON MOL ORDER ITS FINISHED NOW WHAT CAN I DO TO SEE MY KIDS ???MY KIDS ARE AGE 15 14 and 09 MY SONS BIN BRAINWASHED BETWEEN THE MUM AND HER NEW BLOKE WHICH ALSO USED TO SMOKE CRACK AND WAS IN A MENTAL INSTITUTION I ALSO KNOW HE LIKES YOUNGER GIRLS THIS IS A MAJOR PROBLEM TO ME! I DO NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO
Raj 19/09/2016 at 2:59 pm
Hi
I have three children with my ex, I was seeing them until 2013 but then I remarried then she refused my access to children.
I did try through mediation in 2014 but she did not co-oprate
but I did not apply to court due to financial reason
now I want to got to court as last mediation papers expired
now I applied again for mediation again but she is not replying, if I go to court will I get my contact with children as I have not seen them formerly for nearly four years
children are 12, 10 and 8 years.

I am remarried and have child from new wife as well.
Mastergamer 16/09/2016 at 2:00 am
I have court next week and received my ex's parental questionnaire in the post today , the first 4 box's on the first page of the questionnaire was filled out by my ex but the rest of the form was filled out from recognizing the writing of my 15 yr old daughter. My ex has signed and dated it themselves and nowhere does it state on the form that its not being completed by my ex..... its a legal form i didn't think it would be allowed to be filled out by my 15 yr old daughter . Do i inform the court about this , as my ex has been emotionally brainwashing my daughter against me and even brought her to court and made her wait outside and bring coffee to them whilst we waited to go into court. Any help would be appreciated.
Rmhsrc 21/08/2016 at 12:30 pm
I have a court order to see my daughter for 1 hour every saturday. The 1st 3 weeks went well then her mum didnt turn up with her for the last 3 weeks :( on my court order it says i have family assistane order and cafcass will befriend the family untill it goes back to court. Do i contact them about my ex breaking the contact order or do i do a c79 form also how much will it cost?
Tom 19/08/2016 at 6:13 pm
ive split from my ex over 2 years ago and have had nothing but issues in regards to seeing my daughter. She wanted the arrangements that i had her every other weekend friday to monday which has been the case for months now. Over the course of the last month i have not seen my daughter and have been refused access to see her. I was told by my ex partner on wednesday that i can pick my daughter up at half 4 on friday. When arriving to pick up my daughter was told i am never seeing her again, and when shes old enough she will explain everything to her and she will understand. I have always been there for my child ever since day 1. My ex has had social services involved on more than one occasion due to the danger my daughter was in, she used to leave her with everyone else i would never know where she is or who she was with. Now that my ex is settled with a partner and has another baby on the way she is stopping me from seeing my daughter full stop, with no good reason. she has already refused MEDIATION. i dont know what to do.
Pete 29/07/2016 at 11:58 am
I haven't seen my child in over 7 months as my ex prevents me from doing so. I tried mediation but my ex wanted to be in control of where, when and how long I saw my child for. I filed a C100 and had my first hearing - at that point the Judge asked CAFCASS to do a report on us individually. In the meantime I filed a C2 (interim contact order) which I was denied as the court were awaiting the CAFCASS report. I had my second hearing and I still can't see my daughter as my ex told CAFCASS I had been violent towards her - which I was shocked to hear and this is not true.

Due to health issues I currently no longer want to pursue this case as it's too stressful for me and is impacting on my well being. I wish to close the case for now. Please can you advice me.
MissMother 25/07/2016 at 3:55 pm
Hi there just looking for some advice and information. Been going through lawyers with my sons father and asked him to provide a clear drugs tests which he denied and proceeded to applying to courts, I have evidence that he is still currently using drugs and have received court papers but with no court hearing date? I was wondering how long after these papers will I actually appear in court? I'm currently 30 weeks pregnant and wanted to sort this civilly but looks like it's not going to work that way so was wondering how long until I'm in court? Thanks
Lou 30/06/2016 at 9:31 pm
Hi,
My partner of a year is having issues with his ex wife and access to his children. We have the children on a pre agreed basis over a two week cycle which it's around his and her work pattern however we would like to hhave them for one extra night instead of them being dropped off at ?. They both have their own rooms with us and are more than happy but the ex wife is saying no. Also where do we stand on taking them abroad on holiday? She has basically said she isn't happy about them going with us but we would have them for our agreed 4 days furi g this period anyway? Also she is now stopping the eldest (11) from using WiFi to contact her dad via messaging services and has even disconnected the router to stop her phone from working surely there is something we can do to stop this unreasonable behaviour?
Saul 23/06/2016 at 3:13 pm
Hello I'm due in court 28june regarding a contact order. Ive receive this morning a claim of domestic aduse from my ex
A c1a
I have not been violent to her verbally or physical or mentally.she is doing anything In her power to stop me seen my children.
How do I defend myself on this allegations
Ash 21/06/2016 at 2:48 pm
Hi All

I have tried mediation with my wife on childcare what I should pay and access but she has now quit her job (receiving a significant pay off in the process) and cannot now afford the family home, of which there is close to 50k in equity. I can no longer afford the mortgage as well as the rent on my new property so need to stop paying anything above what the CSA advise me.

The original plan was to sell the house and split the equity and move on. She is now refusing to sell the house and cannot afford the monthly repayments. Is there anything I can do about this? I don't want make my kids homeless but I cannot afford to pay for her lifestyle and she seems determined to get the house repossessed and I will lose my share of the equity.

The second element is that we have two children who I see thurday, Friday and Saturday stopping with me till I drop them back at theyre mums Saturdy at midday. I am constantly threatened with her stopping me seeing the kids as the arrangement we have is informal I want to extend this to three and a half nights a week from 2 and formalise it in court.

any help with my two issues would be great..

Ash
red 20/06/2016 at 1:13 pm
Hi.
I'm in a new relationship well nearly two years with a man who has awful problems seeing his children.. the mother can't stand the fact I am with him so denies access if I am around ...I am taking a step back in this but...is there something he can do to stop her from just saying no normally by text an hour before he's about to collect them ....they have been apart for 6 years never married ...she is currently engaged to someone else ...so I don't see what her problem is ....it's breaking his heart that he feels he has to choose between having a life or seeing his children .....his children are his first thought....
Concerned nanny 19/06/2016 at 7:44 pm
My son split with his girlfriend June last year. She came to us in September and said she was 20 weeks pregnant with his child and she was keeping the baby. She did not want anything from him X but just to tell him. He had a new girlfriend then who is now engaged to, buying a house and is expecting his child.
The ex we were not sure if the baby was his so we asked for a Dna test when she was born. She was born prematurely at 30 weeks and was quite poorly. Relations had broken down by this time and when she left hospital in February we did the Dna test and it proves he was the father, but he is not on the birth certificate. He has paid maintenance directly to her since February when she came out of hospital. She will not allow my son to see his daughter with his fiancé as she does not like her, but her new boyfriend who has been on the scene for 2 months is allowed to see the baby. She has allowed me to see her but I feel disloyal as I think she should let us meet the baby together As a family. What rights has he? How can he see his child without her being there Nd with his partner. Does he have to pay still if he has no access. She has allowed. My son to see the baby with her. But caused so many problems by slagging g off his fiancé the whole time. What can we do as he is desperate to see his daughter.
Nunu 17/06/2016 at 11:33 pm
Hi there,

I am due to give birth in two days time and the local authorities want to apply for a interim court order and this is due to the fact that they believe that the baby and me should be in a residential care under 24/7 supervision. They believe that my partner is abusive, my mental health and also no family support. What should I do and expect??
Mother2 14/06/2016 at 12:59 am
My ex partner and I have a temporary agreement through family court for my 10 year old son. He can see him in a public place for 4 hours once a week. My son has told me that he has been to his house (which is not supposed to be. In any event the day of court hearing for follow up I could not go due to some testing for my son that day. My ex partner did not go because "he forgot". I received in the mail today a Judgement of support,custody,visitation and it states - The judgement (date) shall incopperate the terms of temporary deal. What does this mean? How can I prove that he has not followed the deal as agreed? How can I change the date?
SeparatedDads Editor 09/06/2016 at 10:29 am
I am sorry to hear this. I suspect this is talk spurned in anger and she is unlikely to take the matter to court through her own volition. However, if she stops your parnter seeing his children, then he would have to take the matter to court to gain access, please see link: When Your Ex-Partner Denies You Access here. While he may not be his non-biological daughter's father, the court will take into account that he has a solid relationship with her, the child is unaware of her real paternity and that he supports her financially. Therefore it is unlikely that the court would discriminate and would treat her the same as his biological child in terms of access (as the court will always decide what it thinks is in the best interest of the children). If the matter goes to court then your partner is likely to be given official access (should all go well) which would mean his ex would not be able to change these arrangements and will be legally bound by the court order. It's sad that a father who is supporting his non-biological child in such a way is treated with such disdain - but he does not have to listen to his ex's demands for money, if he is paying above and beyond the required amount. I hope it works out well for him.
DiamondH17786 08/06/2016 at 11:17 am
Hi, my partner and I are in a very difficult situation. He has 2 children aged 3 and 5 with his ex partner...his ex partner was 8 weeks pregnant with the eldest when they rekindled a past relationship, so she is not biologically his (his name is not on birth certificate) and the youngest IS biologically his. He has raised both children as his own, lived at the family home (which he paid for in every single aspect) up until a year and a half ago, has the children regularly and pays maintenance for them both weekly (the eldest child does not know that he is not her father). His ex partner has been very abusive to us both since we started our relationship a year ago and is constantly demanding more money from him (on top of the maintenance) and makes unreasonable requests to be difficult, which if we do not agree to them, she stops him from seeing them both and won't even allow him to speak to them to say goodnight, etc. She tells the children that he doesn't love them, says awful things about me, scares the children with her behaviour and uses VERY abusive language to and infront of them, etc. Last weekend, my partner and I dropped the children off and she physically assaulted my partner in front of the children (we did not involve the police as we did not want the children to see her arrested), shouted abuse at us both...even ripped the presents I had bought the children out of their hands and threw them into the road. The children were so distressed (crying and shaking) I seriously considered trying to take them away from her, but knew I couldn't do this by law, so decided it best not to. The problem we have now is that she is threatening to take us to court so that we can never see the children again (she has absolutely no valid reason for this and is just doing it to hurt my partner)...my partner is heartbroken that if this happens, he may never see his daughter again (as previously mentioned he is not her biological father but has raised her from birth and she sees him as her dad and clearly adores him). Could you please let me know where we stand legally and also what the likelihood is that she could stop him from seeing the children, as if it does not go to court, we will be forever bullied by this woman. We honestly don't know who to turn to or what to do! Thank you so much!
LStocken 03/06/2016 at 4:53 pm
Hi was wondering if anyone had any advice?
I am currently supporting my partner to gain access to see his children, his ex partner has denied him access for the past 6 years despite several attempts and has now moved and will not tell us where they are. I have completed the C4 and C100 forms as we do not know where my partners ex has moved to, how long does it take to get a court date through in these cases? I feel it is worth mentioning that my partner has been to mediation however the ex refused after a 3 week wait for her appointment to come around.
N72 02/06/2016 at 8:18 pm
Hey my ex partner put me on an allegation of rape 6 month before my child born. I got arrested by police and we was separated for one and half month . That time she found out that she is pregnant and police didn't find any evidence of rape and she withdrawn the case . We got together for sake of unborn child. Then she got drunk when she was 7 month pregnant to kill my child. But tanks god that nothing hurt my child. Social worker involved after that incident. They was working for best interests of child . then she again put me on dv before 2 days of my child born. After that I had a dvpn for 28 days by court. Now we are separated again for last 4 month. I didn't see my child, I tried by social worker for supervise contact but she doesn't agree to show my child. I applied to court by c100 form for access to see my child. I had cafcass phone interview last week and my hearing is next 9th jun. I'm so worried what will happen after 2 false allegation on me.
Dwad 28/05/2016 at 1:42 pm
I'm not on the birth certificate of my 3 year old and me and his mother don't get along even though I try and try. She cancelles on me as and when she feels like it. I live 80 miles away from him and since he was born I've always driven to pick him up and drop him off.and half way there I was stuck in traffic and was late and she told me not to bother at all getting for the weekend and always gets so angry when I haven't done Anything and won't meet me half way.this has happend more times than I can count and I'm fed up with not seeing him.thats all I want to do just wondering how I would go about the situation on gaining access to him
SeparatedDads Editor 23/05/2016 at 2:33 pm
You would have to seek legal advice regarding this if you still have a restraining order against you, both for your own benefit and so you can see your children freely without repercussions. One small argument with your ex could put you back to square one if reported that you have broken the terms of the order. At much as it seems like an issue you cannot be bothered tackling, it really is advisable that you go through the correct processes in order to make sure you also are protected and that you can get official access to your children.
Mikeyt 22/05/2016 at 10:07 pm
Want advise to cut along story short I use to take drugs and there has been few DV incidents between me and ex partner 3years ago I have since been in rebilitation and out and now clean and working volunteerly, I have not seen my two children age 10 and 6 for past year why I have been in there I have remained in contact by phone and letters. My ex partner got a restraining order back in 2012 at the time they automatically gave her a residence and prohibited steps order she was unaware fully what this intailed and its only just come to light recently as we both tried to arrange contact via third party (family members) with social services and now they state it has to go to court before I can regain access to my children. But despite this I have had contact since the order was put in place in 2012 but social services as only just realised what this order is, so what I would like to know is am I left with any other choice than take it through the court as I am now off drugs the children speak with me regular and want to see me again and my ex partner has no issues with me seeing our children and she didn't ask for the order at the time as she as only just found out what the order actually is so seems pointless to waste money that could be spent on our children and take it to court when there is no dispute and we are in agreement it's just this order that's the problem
SeparatedDads Editor 12/05/2016 at 12:50 pm
If your partner's ex fails to attend the hearing then the court can act in the mother's absence, which may actually favour your partner more if the courts judges access to be in his children's best interests. If the court can't continue the hearing because the mother hasn't turned up, the court will not accept this and it will be seen as a black mark against the mother at a future hearing. The best advice I can give is to be patient. His ex can try to avoid the process as much as she wants, but she will only be allowed to do so for so long and it will work against, not for her.
Jess1508 11/05/2016 at 8:23 pm
Hello

My partner has finally managed to get a first hearing in the family court for a contact order on the 8th June.

We are unrepresented so having to do everything ourselves.

He hasnt seen her 4 years and this is the furthest he has got with the court as it was settled out of court last time but he never actually saw her after that.

We are wandering what happens if she fails to attend the first hearing and what will happen next.

We havent heard of a response from her as of yet either.

Any of advice on what the rest of the process works as well would be a great help

Thanks

Hope to hear from you very soon.
SeparatedDads Editor 11/05/2016 at 12:52 pm
It is difficult to predict what a court may decide. However, if the court has let you apply then you have a chance. The court is increasingly recognising grandparent's role in their granchildren's lives, so hopefully the outcome will be favourable.
SeparatedDads Editor 11/05/2016 at 12:30 pm
Have you thought of suggesting Mediation to your ex in order to sort the matter out? Please see link: Mediation: What is it and is it For Me? here. It would mean you would not have to go through the court procedure and at the same time you do not have to agree to arrangements you do not wish to agree with. However, you would also have the option of applying through the courts for a Child Arrangement Order which dertermines and makes official who your children should live with, This is often used in cases where both parents have Parental Responsibility and one parent is afraid of the other keeping their child without consent. Another order you can apply for is a Prohibited Steps Order which which prevents either parent from carrying out certain events or making specific trips with their children without the express permission of the other parent. This is more common in cases where there is suspicion that one parent may leave the area with their children. We have all heard the stories of a parent taking their child for the weekend and not returning them or going abroad with them and it becoming extremely difficult for the other parent to get their child back. Thankfully, this is one of the scenarios that a PSO seeks to prevent. I hope this helps.
Margy 10/05/2016 at 2:22 pm
I have been stopped from seeing my grandchildren my grandson doesnt know me but my grandaughter who is seven i was guardian to for first four years of her life im going to court do i have any chance
SeparatedDads Editor 08/04/2016 at 12:33 pm
Please see link: When Your Ex-Partner Denies You Access, here and go through the procedure laid out in the article.
masteroftime 07/04/2016 at 4:37 pm
Hi I have a two year old daughter and the mother has stop me from seeing our off spring, what can I do
JP 19/03/2016 at 5:09 pm
Have just separated with my wife and she has our 3 year old by with her.

if she has commenced court proceedings with solicitor how long before i hear about it by the court? We are not communication with my wife. I have been told she has instructed a solicitor.

thank you
SeparatedDads Editor 09/03/2016 at 11:00 am
If you already have residency of your son, you can request this is established officially. You would have to seek legal advice regarding your best options.
Ste 08/03/2016 at 4:08 am
If my ex applies for a residence order and it is denied, do I automatically get residence? I am the primary career and my son lives with me now with no problems. Or do I also have to apply for residence?
Thanks
SeparatedDads Editor 19/02/2016 at 12:52 pm
I am sorry to hear this. You may find our Separated Dads Facebook page useful on how to self-litigate, I put a post up today regarding how someone was successful through taking this routeand our dads give some very good advice, as they have been through it before. Please also see link: What Goes into the Cafcass Family Report? here. I hope this helps.
Jim 18/02/2016 at 5:21 pm
Hello. My ex-wife and i have been separated nearly three years and divorced over 18 months now. We have two girls aged 9 and 6. from the start of separation things have never been that great but got worst when she met someone else soon after our break up. In a nut shell ive been accused of harassment ie driving by the house,looking at her new partner in a threatening way etc etc all leading to a police PIN notice being issued. Alot of forces do not bother with them and it has no legal right.
Contact has again broken down and goes threw my mother via email or text. Over the past year i have had the children at least 50 percent of time but no set structure. Her new partner is a pilot so she travels alot with him and sometime decides to go away at very short notice (24hrs) and i have the children.
I have asked for the time to be structured but she will not agree. I asked her many times and said i will have no option but to go to court. In January i applied to the court for contact 50/50 and since then she has stopped me seeing children and having only every other weekend. She is also saying its to disruptive to children having contact midweek. Yet she goes out a lot and sometimes away leaving children with babysitter or new partners mother who they do not like. I have today received a C7 form saying the children are at risk of violence being with me? Yet i have had the children since last Thursday and the whole of half term. This is a total fabrication and how will this affect my case? My eldest is 9 ? will cafcass interview her that young? They are both desperate to live with me. She has a high flyer solicitor but i am going to represent myself? I have total changed my life to be here 24/7 for my children and cannot even begin to imagine only seeing them evey 2 weeks. Any advice on my situation greatly appreciated.
SeparatedDads Editor 18/02/2016 at 2:28 pm
If your ex has given her mother permission to take your child on holiday then, the only recourse you would have id to apply for a Prohibited Steps Order. A PSO is an order granted by the court in family cases which prevents either parent from carrying out certain events or making specific trips with their children without the express permission of the other parent. This is more common in cases where there is suspicion that one parent may leave the area with their children. However, you would have to have have a good reason why you thought that the holiday was not in your child's best interests. Also given the time this would take to get to court, then it would have to depend on when the holiday was. If your ex has denied access, then this should be your priority. Before you can apply to court, you would have to have considered Mediation in order to sort both of these issues out. Please see: Mediation: What is it and is it For Me? here. This is what your solicitor will advise, so you may wish to save your money to be given this advice. However, if your ex refuses to attend Mediation, or if the process fails, then you can take it to court.
Billy365 17/02/2016 at 10:57 pm
Hi, Me and my ex girlfriend have been separated for 3 years we have a 4 year old daughter and I have PR, she has stopped access to our daughter, I have an appointment to see a solicitor in a few days to get a contact order in place, can I stop my ex's mother taking my daughter out of nursery to go on holiday even though I don't have access and I don't want her missing out on nursery as I am capable of taking her to nursery while her mum is away, that was the agreement before she stopped access, she is planning on taking her away for a week from Scotland to England?
SeparatedDads Editor 10/02/2016 at 12:56 pm
The positive that is currently in your favour is your son is now aged-11, and will be able to voice his opinion of whether or not he would like to see you, should you either go through Mediation or the courts. In the first instance you could suggest Mediation to your ex in order to resolve the issue. If she refuses then I suggest you pen a letter to her stating that you wish for access to be re-instated otherwise you will apply through the courts. Please see link: When Your Ex-Partner Denies You Access, here and go through the process laid out in the text. If you take the matter to court, then whatever access is granted it will be official and your ex will have to comply with it, otherwise she will be in breach of the order. I hope this helps.
Key 09/02/2016 at 9:53 pm
Hi,

I currently have 50/50 shared access to my 11 year old son, after a slight debate with his mother she now says that he's not allowed to come to my house and he will be staying with her from now on.

I have been nothing but nice and fair and reasonable with her throughout my sons life as we split when he was 1, I've always had access to my son.

Every time we have an argument she threatens to take him from me I've had enough now I need something in writing to say when I can see him so that is what is stuck to.

I have a stable family home with my new partner and our daughter we have been in the same home for 2 years now.

She has moved house 4 times in the last year swiching from partner to partner even moved my sons school in his last year of primary school.

Any advise and my rights?
SeparatedDads Editor 09/02/2016 at 10:50 am
I'm afraid if your ex doesn't agree with you having your child overnight, your first option would to suggest Mediation to her, please see link: Mediation: What is it and is it For Me? here. If your ex wont agree, or if Mediation fails, then you would have the option to take the matter to court to have both unsupervised visits and/or overnight stays. While there is no guarantee you would be awarded the order, where the courts deem it in the child's best interests, they do want fathers to have a good relationship with their children that involves sharing the care and responsibility.
smiggy 08/02/2016 at 3:50 pm
Hi all...I've been with my new partner since August last year but I have a daughter from my previous partner who won't let me have my daughter over night.....I do pay her money every week without fail and also some extra if shes struggling a little....now I've asked her politely if i can have her but she's just saying no because you live with your girlfriend....I've only asked for her the odd night or a weekend night...I do see her everyday in the week but it's always at her house
.any advice would be awesome thanks.
kicariova 13/12/2015 at 5:15 pm
Hello,

We are from Lithuania and staying in the UK temporary. Father is norwegian and visits son in Lithuania 3-4 times a year. I have got residency order, which by Lithuanian laws allows me to take son out of a country as long as needed, even permanently and I do not need fathers permission. Father has always tried to revenge, so this time he gave faulty information and said that I hace abducted child from Lithuania. So when we tried to go on holiday from UK , we were stopped at the airport. Our passports were taken away. At the court I was only told that I have to leave back to Lithuania within 7 days. I was trying y
to explain that by Lithuanian laws with a residency order I do not need fathers permission. But I was told that I need another document showing that, but there is such document because there is no time limit. No we have to leave but our passports have not been located. Any advice of what to do would be helpful, because we have not done anything and treated as criminals. Already a week withkut documents. When father asked for Child Abduction order, he did not show any court orders or anything, and no one was trying to listen to me.

Thank you
SeparatedDads Editor 09/12/2015 at 1:51 pm
You have every right to apply to see your children, regardless of whether you are with a new partner or not. You may find our Separated Dads Facebook page useful, as our dads who have been through the same or similar experiences can give great advice.
SeparatedDads Editor 09/12/2015 at 1:01 pm
I am sorry to hear this. Yes, you would have to take court action if your ex refuses to attend mediation (which is usually the first step). Please see article: When Your Ex-Partner Denies You Access, link herewhich will explain more about the process you will have to go through. I hope this helps.
Sonanddaughter 08/12/2015 at 4:22 pm
Same here. My ex was quick enough to take me to court though won't respond to my solicitors letters requesting access to my son and daughter. They're 8 and 9 and she also says it's them that don't want to see me. Doubt that very much! I will be taking her to court as soon as! 12 months this month since I saw my children. Yes, I have moved on with a new partner but I can give them so much more than just child maintenance. Heart breaking is not the word.
Dadoftwo 08/12/2015 at 4:02 pm
I am married, now separated, and have two children with my wife. I met someone else 18 months ago, a friendship that blossomed to romance. She has children of her own with an ex partner and I get on with them remarkably well. From the day I left my wife and children I have been paying £200 a week child maintenance every single week without hesitation. She won't let me see my children and says that it's them that don't want to see me, which I very much doubt it. They are aged 7 and 9. She has taken me to court re financial issues and I now pay £100 a week 'spouse maintenance' on top of an agreement to pay off a 6k debt. I need to see my children. It has now been over a year since I last saw them and their mother has made no effort to respond to numerous letters from my solicitor to start regular access/time with my children. It is heart breaking for me. What is the next stage? Court action?
Hearts7 28/11/2015 at 8:45 am
Being a weekend can not communicate with my solicitor && can not find my answer on the web.
Am I right in being told that the date you receive your c100 form and mediation is ended. You have 3/4 months to apply to the courts from this date?
Fairdad 03/11/2015 at 4:27 pm
It seems that we do not live in a fair society with equal rights as I have noticed it is mainly men who have to apply for a contact order. Residence is the right of a woman, how is this fair when it should be 50/50 ? Where is the equality ?
Women have been fighting for equal rights in lots of things and have been winning them bit by bit but residence and contact, men have been fighting but nothing is happening.
Has anyone contacted the Equalities Minister on this if there is such a one ?
laura miles 14/10/2015 at 8:25 pm
I have received a c100 and ç1a form (after I had filed the same on my ex) but the c1a was /is not signed by my ex partner or his solicitor . can this still be used in court/against me? Should I keep this to myself until the actual date for attending court. I am representing myself. But my ex has a solicitor.

Many thanks
Laura miles
ChazX 13/10/2015 at 5:30 pm
I was just wondering what I should do as my ex partner took me to court for access and he was told that he needed to do a month with indirect contact before the first meeting so far it has been 3 weeks and he is due to see her in 2 weeks. Do I still allow him to see her or should I refuse as he hasn't stuck to the court order? Thank you.
Taz 12/10/2015 at 8:19 pm
My ex partner wrote the court a letter with lies that I can prove, it wasn't a formal statement and did not end with "this is the truth etc" just a normal letter. Is that still purgery? Also none of us took an oath in the family court but he lied to the judges, is that still purgery?
SeparatedDads Editor 28/09/2015 at 2:11 pm
I'm not quite sure of your question. However, please see article: Breach of Contact or Residence Order: What to Do, here, which should help.
Babymomma 27/09/2015 at 1:59 pm
If my child's father has a court arrangement to see his child 1st, 2nd and 3rd sunday of every month who's duty is it to remind him of this when he try's to change the Sunday's he has for no valid reason eg if he is unwell!
PhilyG 14/08/2015 at 2:17 pm
Just wondering, any idea on what could happen if you have submitted your position statement and the court has ordered a response from the other party, but this has never arrived?
Rica G. 17/07/2015 at 5:08 pm
Great Article. Thanks for the info. Does anyone know where I can find a blank court statement form to fill out?
SeparatedDads Editor 14/07/2015 at 2:29 pm
@Lollyleaf - please see link: When Your Ex-Partner Denies You Access, here which should help answer your question.
Lollyleaf 12/07/2015 at 12:36 am
My new partner split with his child's mother 4 years ago. They have a 8 year old son together. He sees him once a week every week and also pays her csa. After she gets her money a month she turns in to a monster calling him a bad dad and the general stuff. She is now trying to stop him seeing his son as she has made plans in the day he has him, so he arranges another day with he and then at the last minute she will say she has made plans for the day so you can't have him. What can he do so he has him in set days and she can't change it to be spiteful? Someone please help as I'm on the receiving end of all this and it's breaking me and my partner up thanks
SeparatedDads Editor 18/06/2015 at 2:53 pm
@Drago55 - I'm afraid these questions are a bit too involved to answer via this site, you would really have to speak to your solicitor about these.
Drago55 16/06/2015 at 3:25 pm
Hi, I have an interim order for child access where I have my son every other week. Week 1 is Friday 10am to Sunday 5pm and week 3 Saturday 10am to Sunday 5pm. My ex partner has moved away 200 miles when we split as has claimed mental abuse etc this is false and CAFCASS have done their checks and are no longer involved but our negotiations stopped on the first hearing because I had asked to be given priority carer if she goes back to work as a long haul air hostess meaning she is away 3nights 4 days. She doesn't want this and says the travelling is a problem yet she is travelling to Heathrow near where I live. I have asked for this as I want our 18 month old boy to have one of his parents caring for him if the other is out of the country. There has been certain steps and advice points listed and agreed in the interim order and we have another hearing in July to go back to try to finalise remaining issues. Can I try to change the interim order if it has not been working or because of conflict on her part or will the final order hearing be about accepting what has already been agreed and resolving the one issue we had left? I want to increase the second weekend to both weekends being Friday to Sunday as I do all the travelling and it is so hard doing 800 miles round trip if I only have him for 1 night. I have never seen any negative effect when I have him but she is trying to control and block every suggestion I have. I only have a few days to file a report to the court and her solicitors of any evidence or new items as apparently 2 weeks deadline. My main concern is the things already agreed at the first hearing haven't worked out and can I contest this and add to what we are there for at the final hearing? Can I also enforce that my ex starts to help with the logistics and meeting points? Also the prevention of allegations and discrediting me as a father? I have proof of all and just want to see my son with effective communication of collection and drop offs and I am not getting any info such as Parental Responsibilty rights childcare etc which she was told I was entitled to know for knowledge and a say in my sons upbringing. Please can you advise asap.
3onda 03/06/2015 at 1:33 pm
hi there i need advice i got 4 years old daughter since November 2012 i have lost the contact with my daughter she left the country to live in Angola Africa i have report it to child support agency and the revenue tax office because she still getting tax and benefit from government and child support agency they took part of my salary every month .

what i need to do now for a court action?
SeparatedDads Editor 03/06/2015 at 1:58 pm
@Curly locks - if a court order is issued to stop you taking your children on holiday, then it is likely to override the 28 day rule. For your reference I have included a link to the Bar Council guide on How to Represent Yourself in Court, which should help you to further get the best from your case. whichI hope this helps.
Curly locks 31/05/2015 at 10:21 pm
Hello! I'm representing myself in court; I am the respondent mother and principle carer of our children and have had the first hearing which has been adjourned. Position statements are the next course of action at the next hearing. My ex applied for Child arrangements order with regards to a future contact pattern with our children, also a parental responsibility order (however he already has PR as he is named on the birth certificates so I'm a little bewildered on that one) and finally a prohibited steps order to stop me taking our children on holiday without his consent.
My question is, if a CAO is granted to him and it is recognised that I am the principle carer, am I entitled to take our children on holiday using the up to 28 day rule, without his consent?
Is this why he's applied for a PSO aswell? Will one rule out the other? I wonder whether if he is granted both how I stand please. Any ideas?
pea head05 22/05/2015 at 4:49 pm
My ex partner is now trying to get full custody of are 11 year old daughter. She has lived with me for the 11 years of her life her dad has always had contact with her I have always let her have his daughter as and when it suited him. He has never gave me a single penny in csa! Hes got a bad criminal record and been in prison more than once for violance. My daughter has been making false allegations against my partner whom I have been with for 4 years. They have always got on fine till recently. What can I do about it?
Jon Pr0 17/05/2015 at 3:42 pm
We divorced over 7 years ago when my son was 6 month old. It started with the divorce, where the mediator said one thing but the final court decree and parenting plan was changed last min by someone. So i received visitation for Wed and every other weekend. Since then She has stopped Wed's, I have continually asked over and over again but she refused. I had surgery and was recovering while I asked to fogo my weekend, then I was in a major car accident where I broke my neck in 4 places, and was unable to care for my son. 6 months of trying to call and refusal. Then in 2011 she allowed me to slowly enter back into his life. It took over a year to get an overnight. In 2013 I was able to get every other weekend but no wed's. I asked maybe 10 times, i even bluffed that I would call the police. All this time she would throw away any gifts or clothing my son returned to her home with. She would make all decisions without me, She even refused church. Then after 3+ years my Girl friend and I broke up. It was hard on me as I loved her very much. It was harder on My son as he had a sister in my girlfriends daughter. then I lost my job, and was just barely able to pay rent. Then my ex wife took me to court for missing 6 months of Child support while I was unemployed. I finally got a job and I am now paying over 1400.00 a month for my son in child support. I was just recently able to buy new bedroom set for my son, was able to have a late xmas with him in April. My son would tell me things like, I wanted to get you a xmas gift but mom would not let me. And things like, Mom told me that she left you because you did not want me daddy. He also came to my home for a visitation and said, "John"(ex boyfriend) touches me and it makes me uncomfortable. Then out fo the blue, I am served for an emergency Hearing and she has taken my visitation on the grounds my son would be in danger at my home. They stated things that were jsut not true. they used one text message when I was unemployed I said "I dont care about my life..." But the rest of the text said "...I only care about Jeremiah and making sure he is taken care of" They left that part out. Now I have no visitation with my son and dont have enough for a lawyer. She makes 2x what I do, has two homes, 3 cars, and all the trimmings. She has also filed for modification of the parenting plan to take 100% legal and physical custody. All without any real proof of anything. They keep asking if I have been diagnosed with a mental disfunction even though none of the court papers have anything with that topic. I am completely confused as to how she can just say whatever she wants and the court just believe her without any proof or anything. I dont know what to do, so much online makes my head spin. I have no mony for a lawyer as almost all my money goes to child support. I am about to loose my son, and I dont know why. I dont have any clue what to do. This is ridiculous, I have tried to be
SeparatedDads Editor 15/05/2015 at 11:36 am
@pete6015 - it sounds like you need to take this back to court in order to have the contact order fixed again. If you cannot afford the hefty legal costs, you can self-litigate, see our partner article; Legal Aid Withdrawal: How to Represent Yourself, here . A lot of fathers are taking this route with success. You may also find our Separated Dads Facebook page useful, as there are many fathers that have done this and have come out the other side. On the back of your comment, I have also posted a question to our readers on this very subject, so if you look on the page there should be some extra advice to help.
pete6015 13/05/2015 at 5:52 pm
Hey all,

i posting on here as i am stuck what to do now, my issue is i have a 4 year old daughter i have always been an active part of her life, myself and her mother split nearly 2 years ago and since then i have had a nightmare of a battle to see my daughter where my ex stated i had PTSD ( medically proven i don't) we went to court where all her claims were disproven, i was granted a contact order that has come to its natural end (judge ordered mediation to allow us to come to more long term agreements, i.e overnight stays ect) she has failed to do this however i have been, i paid 7 thousand pounds in court fees and am not in a position where i can afford to do this again however i am really struggling to do the 500 mile round trip for a seven hour visit, also on the visit dates my ex will stay with my child for the first 20 minutes telling her she doesn't have to come with her daddy this makes the first hour one spent trying to calm my daughter down, my ex will not tell me the doctors name school name or where she live ( and is moving to in june) i have been given times and days i can call my daughter however my ex states my child is sleeping or busy during these times and will not change the timing, it is a very difficult situation and i really need to know where to go next i am concerned my daughter is still drinking out of a bottle and wearing nappies, no set bed or meal times however i cannot raise this to anyone as i don't have her address if anyone could help please please do
SeparatedDads Editor 01/05/2015 at 10:01 am
@Sam - the police may be able to intervene if you have a residency order and there is a clause in that order that determines why the child should live with you, and if there is a concern that your child could come to harm under the care of the other parent. If the police say they cannot intervene, then you can apply for an emergency ex parte application. This is also known as a 'without notice application' i.e. the other party is not given notice of the application. If the mother cannot make an ex parte application then an application can still be made but the father can attend and make his case. At the end of the hearing, the judge will make an order. You could also apply for a prohibited steps orders and specific issue order to ensure this doesn't happen again. Unless it is a valid reason the courts don't take lightly to parents taking the law into their own hands without negotiation. I hope this helps.
Sam 01/05/2015 at 6:42 am
Quick question. If I have full residency of my child, and my ex will not return them, what could I do in an emergency situation? Can the police intervene?
JJ 28/04/2015 at 8:23 pm
PROHIBITIVE STEPS ORDER.
I am taking my child, who is 3, away to Colombia this summer to visit her extended family but her mother is now 'threatening' a prohibitive steps order. As her father, I have a full residence order and she has been in my care for the best part of 2 years. Mother has parental responsibility, after all she is her mother. Upon previous court proceedings, her mother did not wish to have any residency due to "personal reasons" and CAFCASS saw this "effective absence" as an advantage to my daughters life. She has had my daughter one night a week (when convenient to mothers ever-changing schedule) for the past half a year. Since the announcement of the holiday, mother has tried to up the anti by requesting more days of access and even involving a contact centre. Obviously, I welcomed this as any signs of preventing access could be seen as immoral. True to her nature, she has not been able to fulfil these requests entirely, changing days when other plans arise etc., not to mention not being able to find alternative arrangements when she is meant to be in care (i.e. grandparents were also unable to accomodate provisions), and therefore my daughter was left with me until she wanted access. I sent her a courtesy letter highlighting the dates of the holiday, 26 days to ensure this is kept within the 28 day limit stated on the residence order; presented return tickets and emergency contact details whilst we are away. Mother is now 'threatening' to get a PSO using the idea that Colombia is 'too dangerous' as her back-up. Whilst I know I am within my right to take my daughter away, and given that its an opportunity to meet her extended family, has anyone got any information on what might be the outcome if she 'does' go to court? I am from Colombia myself and I know this is a positive opportunity for my daughter to meet her family and see where my heritage comes from. I forgot to mention I am travelling with a UK citizen who is a teacher, which further backs up my case that I WILL be returning. I can't help but feel like this is a personal vendetta. I have never received any form of child maintenance from her mother, nor claimed I couldn't look after my daughter when she cancelled her access within 24 hours of when the arrangement was meant to take place. Ive been to a solicitor and they said it would be irrelevant for me to go to court first as I have nothing to argue. Any advice would be much appreciated. JJ
SeparatedDads Editor 07/04/2015 at 12:15 pm
@mike - if you have been awarded a joint residency order through the courts then you must take this back to court as a breach of court order. Your ex should consult you about any move, as if you do not think it is in the best interests of your child it would allow you with good reason to apply for a Prohibited Steps Order to try and prevent this. If you still do not know where she is you can apply for a C4 court order which is an application for an order for disclosure of a child’s whereabouts. You can do this alongside the breach of court order and residency order should you wish.
mike 03/04/2015 at 7:23 pm
My ex jumps from house to house and removes my daughter from school to school and we have split custody and I never know where she moves tell I go to pick my daughter up now she moved agin and I have no idea where they are now she will not answer my calls or messages or any attempts of contact from me and I am worried about my daughter because my ex has spilt personalitys and the other personality dose not like kids and I'm worried is there any thing I can do I want to take full custody of my daughter I have a staddy home bin in the same house for years now and I'm self self-employed is it possible to get full custody
Ella Editor 01/04/2015 at 11:03 am
@JanieP - yes, it looks like your stepson gets to choose who he spends time with without a specific order being in place.
JanieP 30/03/2015 at 10:23 am
We recently went to court with regards my stepson. We were following a Contact Order issued 04/12 but as the child want to live with us & in order to stop same, the mother applied for a Residency Order. At the initial hearing the Judge stated "between now and the next hearing the agreed arrangements would be as per the Contact Order." The court was heard in 03/15 & it was concluded that "upon both parties agreeing they will continue to support the child's wish to spend time with each parent - No order is to be made." Are we right in thinking, that the original Contact Order is now null & void? With thanks.
SeparatedDads Editor 30/03/2015 at 2:07 pm
@Jordon - are you on good terms with your ex? If you are, why don't you sit her down and talk to her about your son's welfare and say that you are concerned and you would be happy to care for him on a full-time basis. If you think her behaviour is out of hand and you don't think she will agree to this, or that she may attempt to take your son out of the area, then you can apply to either attempt to sort the problem out through mediation, or take it to court for a prohibited steps order and a Residence Order. A Prohibited Steps Order (PSO) is an order granted by the court in family cases which prevents either parent from carrying out certain events or making specific trips with their children without the express permission of the other parent. This is more common in cases where there is suspicion that one parent may leave the area with their children. A Residence Order is an order issued by the Family Proceedings Court, and details which parent the children should reside with. 'Paramountcy', is the term used to describe how the court will look upon such requests for the issuing of a Residence Order. Paramountcy relates to the importance to the children of where they should live and also what is in their best interests. For example, if the court feels that the children’s best interests would to stay with their mother, then they are obliged to issue in her favour. The most important aspect of any court proceeding relating to the care and wellbeing of your children is what is best for them. If your ex's friends are confiding in you and would back you up in court this would also help. However, as it is you already have him up to five times a week, so this may be something you can agree between you and your ex without having to resort to court. I hope this helps.
Jordon 27/03/2015 at 10:53 pm
We have a 4 years old son which I see when ever I want sometimes I have him 5 days a week, the problem is my ex s behaviour is changed dracticly he now smokes addicted to taking drugs hanging around with know drug users sleeping around with many different partners meeting people of the Internet and she is depressed and has bi polar times she's rang me up night before if I could have are son, she planned to move to numerous places like a different place every two weeks her close friends have even approached me concerned what would be the best solution
Devoteddad 25/03/2015 at 7:32 pm
Thank you. Basically it was a bad breakup. She had an affair and had me charged with harassment (I didn't deal with it very well). I was never violent or aggressive. I left the property only weeks ago and he has been visiting me twice a week for dinner and one night at weekends. I have been his primary carer for 1.5 years, and I have a reference of this by his bursery and a neighbour. I also have photographic evidence with dates back only last December with my wife with drugs and also drugs at the property and also she has been investigated in the past for drunken abuse to my stepson. Recently my son came to me with a lesion in the form of a big scab and had told me his brother who is very violent and has severe behaviour issues had scratched him. I got a doctors report and also contacted the police and social services but in order not to hinder my case of residency I had to return him. My son also has picked up violent behaviours by his brother and I feel in my care he will be safer, and his behaviour will improve. Also, I live in the same village just down the road so his mother can see him when she pleases and he will attend the same play school so there would be minimal upheaval. Do I have a strong case? Thanks
SeparatedDads Editor 25/03/2015 at 10:56 am
@Devoteddad- if you are concerned that your child is being neglected and you can give him a better and more stable home life, then you can apply. In your text you say he 'attends contact', does this mean the contact is only supervised with you? If the contact is supervised it may be more difficult for you to gain residency as you don't have the day to day relationship with your son that the mother has. Unless the circumstances are exceptional the mother is still usually given the residence order. There will of course be a lot to be taken into consideration through the courts and ultimately the court will decide what is in the best interests of your child, I hope this helps.
Devoteddad 22/03/2015 at 7:32 am
My wife has aspergers and emotionally neglects my 3 year old son and he attends contact unwashed. She also is prone to meltdowns. She works different shift patterns. She also drinks heavily and has a history of drunken abuse where the social services were involved. She also smokes marihuana and I have photographic evidence of the drug in the home and her holding it. Also, her ex husban who she had an affair with is being investigated by the social services for dealing drugs from his property whilst having their son living with him who has severe behavioural issues. This boy is also very violent and has attacked Tristan and left him with marks (photographic evidence and video evidence of him telling me it was him). I have recently put in an application for residency and also to keep this man away from my son. I work Monday to Friday and finish everyday at 4.30. I can offer him a safer enviournment and a more stable routine and also offer him the love and affection she cannot due to her conditiob. I do not smoke and rarely drink socially. Am I doing the right thing?
DD Editor 24/03/2015 at 12:10 pm
@Ian - she can if you let her Ian, or you could take it to court in order to see if the court will issue you a regular contact order. The courts are a lot more open to men being the victim of women who think they can dictate the law.
Ian 20/03/2015 at 11:07 pm
I have a 6 year old daughter with my ex wife. When we split up my daughter was 27 months old. My ex stopped me seeing her for 3.5 months. I now see her twice a month if lucky from 12 til 6. When I ask for more time with her I'm told she's busy. I have asked if she can sleep at my house but I'm told that because she hasn't got her own bedroom and would have to share with my 2 year old son that she can't stay. Can my ex wife keep doing this as my daughter is losing out on growing up with both sides of her family?
SeparatedDads Editor 19/03/2015 at 11:28 am
@John - you may be able to contact the college directly given that you have parental responsibility and ask for verification of attendence. You may also be interested in our partner article At What Age Do Child Maintenance Payments Stop? whichI hope this helps.
John 16/03/2015 at 9:25 pm
I have paid maintenance for my daughter for 16 yrs, she is now 18yrs. She left school at 16yr and did nothing for a year, however, she is now on a make-up course further education two days per week, although she suggested she's is finishing at Easter, however, she has now advised me she is going on another course in September. Unfortunately I have never had access to see any of her school work or seen any reports throughout her schooling this is down to my ex wife not providing them when I have asked. however, in her last year at school a few problems incurred where I had to get involved and at this point I found out her attendance was only 55% as well as her level of work. Her mother (my ex wife) has kept this away from me for many years as I know she too has been drinking excessively. I feel my daughter has no intentions of going back to college in September and is just a plan so I carry on paying maintenance to her mother She also had a little part-time job which she suggested she really enjoys, although I found out yesterday that's she has let them down by not showing for work six times since she started last November. Therefore can anyone advise what I can do to find out if she is actually attending college at all?. I feel I need to see proof she has attended college every month before I pay her maintenance.
SeparatedDads Editor 16/03/2015 at 10:01 am
@N/a - I am going to broach your question to our Separated Dads Facebook followers who should be able to give you plenty of advice as many will have been through this before. So, please go on to the Separated Dads Facebook page for responses. Also, if you are finding costs too much, you can self-litigate, as many fathers are doing this with success. The courts are beginning to punish mothers for evading the courts, so all is not lost. I would just be interested to know what the courts said in response to your ex not turning up? Whatever you do, you need to carry on fighting for contact though, as you will get there in the end. I hope this helps.
N/a 12/03/2015 at 6:46 pm
I have attended court twice and the mother has not attended both times.I have not seen my son in 18 months and do not know what he has been told . I just what contact with my son & I have full parental responsibility.
The mother moved from Cambridge to epsom and then disconnected the phone that was used for me to contact my son .
I have already spent £5000 solicitors fees and I am unable to pay anymore costs
I just want contact back as I have been in my sons life since he was born
What can I do ?
Rob Editor 23/02/2015 at 11:37 am
@lemmon - I don't know whether you have received them yet? But the serving of the papers may only be crucial in cases where there are strict time limits. If there are not strict limits the it is not relevant if the document in fact arrived after or before the date of deemed service. If that makes sense!
Shivaya Editor 21/02/2015 at 6:50 pm
@lemmon

same here mate; except im still waiting -12 weeks late! soliciotrs do nuthing cept take the money
lemmon 20/02/2015 at 4:38 pm
I am currently being taken to court reference childcare of my son. The court have ordered both parties and the court should have a statement by the 20th Feb at 4PM. I have hand delivered my copy yesterday but have not received mine and the deadline has now passed. Where do I stand? ??
Many thanks for any help or advice
SeparatedDads Editor 19/02/2015 at 2:37 pm
@Lyn - I am sorry to hear of these disagreements. I have included a Separated Dads link Preparation to Contested Hearings herewhich I hope helps. I can't really give you any advice on what your daughter should do, except tell the court that it was not her who defaulted on the arrangement, but him.
lyn 18/02/2015 at 12:02 pm
my daughter and her ex partner, went for a court hearing with magistrates re their 1 year old, he asked for what he wanted (overnight stays) and my daughter agreed, as this was discussed in the 1st hearing.

My daughter offered 1 night every other weekend, and 1 day during the week, fixed around he working pattern, as he works shifts, this was to continue for 1 month bringing her home later and later after the overnight stay, after this time going to 2 nights for a month, building up to 3 nights when his schedule allowed.

He did not want to discuss (before he heard what was offered) this so asked for a magistrates view, they suggested 1 night until June, building to 2 nights in September and 3 nights from January 2016, of course he did not agree to this, and now insists on a contested hearing.


My daughter has only once stopped him from seeing her father and that was at the recommendation of the police, and before going to court the first time, and has tried to work around his schedule, which was difficult as he has not provided one since December and she has rearranged plans at the last minute when possible so their child could see their father.

In the past my daughter has paid to go to mediation, he refused to go, then sort legal help and the solicitors offered to pay for mediation, he went then but later stated this was only due to having to go through mediation so he could apply for court.

At the 1st hearing they were both tasked with attending separated parenting classes, which they have both been to.

Without going into he say she says, my daughter acted badly when she ended the relationship, there was not anyone else involved, she just grew apart from the activities they were both doing, and realized her priorities had changed when she found she was pregnant, and although he now has a new partner he will not stop blaming my daughter for leaving.

The court usher explained that there could be a charge for wasting court time, with the case now going to a contested hearing (no idea what that means), but my daughter is now confused to what else she can offer to make him happy, and to try to take things forward, in a civil manor, so their child has 2 parents working together.

any help, suggestions or advice is greatly appreciated.
SeparatedDads Editor 18/02/2015 at 11:43 am
@J23 - sorry to hear this has happened, you need to read our partner article When Your Ex-Partner Denies You Access, link hereand put these procedures into process. I hope this helps.
J23 16/02/2015 at 1:54 pm
i have two children 8/5 the ex has been with a new partner for one year, and they recently have had a child/ 2weeks ago shes stopped me seeing them as if its my fault how can I get to see them again?
stepmom 04/02/2015 at 7:32 pm
My partners and his ex seperated when their daughter was 14 months old. I have known his daughter since she was 18 months old. She has now just turned 4. When they first split up my partner saw his daughter every weekend for 48 hours. Friday 3pm until sunday 6pm. Then he met me and her mother stopped contact on the grounds that she didn't want another woman in her daughters life (our children didn't meet until 6months into the relationship) and contact was cut to saturdays 10-6pm. My partner did get upset and we started the court process, his ex relented after about 6 weeks of no contact and went to see a solicitor and got a letter drafted (my partner didn't agree to this but accepted it as it meant contact resuming) this was 1 weekend friday from 6pm to sunday 6pm and the following weekend saturday 10-6pm. This confused the daughter terribly as she wasn't always sure when she was staying and got very upset when we had to take her home as sometimes she expected to stay over. This was then ammended again by his ex to on 12 on a saturday to 12 on a sunday. His ex then had a baby and contact was ammended to ever weekend saturday 12 till Sunday at 12 as she needed to bond with the baby. My partner was not happy with this and again contact stopped because he told his ex he wasn't happy. We then started the court process again but his ex relented and contact went back to every weekend friday evening to sunday evening and then the following week friday evening to sunday morning. Just before Christmas last year his ex called when my partner ewas on his way to collecylt his daughter after work to say thatbher partners daughter was there and we wouldn't be seeing her that weeken. My partner did collect his daughter but she was in floods of tears and we received a text saying how cruel he was taking her when her step sister was there and it was the daughters choice (at 3 yrs old?) What she does with her time. The ex then called a couple of weeks later to say that she had two parties to go to and that we could make up extra time, of couse she went to the parties but when we wanted the extra time we where told that the daughter was choosing to stay at home as the stepsister was coming to visit. My partner got reslly upset and told the ex to have her ready....... basically contact has stopped again and we are only able to see her on a saturday 10-6pm. Christmas was ruined as was our trip to the german market and to see santa. We have been to see a mediator who said mediation was appropriate for our case but my partner refused as his ex wont stick to anything that isnt leagally binding.... and if we did go to mediation we would end up in court anyway. We have the c100 signed by the mediator and am preparing to go to court. We would like contact to be: every weekend. 1) weekend fridat 5pm to Sunday 6pm and the following week, friday 5pm to saturday 6pm... allowing mother to have Sunday. Then 4 weeks holiday a year whitson, 2 weeks in summer holidays
Henry3103 03/02/2015 at 12:19 pm
I have been looking arfter my 2 kids for 1 year now because there mother was neglecting the kids and has mental health problems she was in prison now in a mental hostpital she is soon to be let out I'm worried she is gonna come out and try and take them so I have filled in a c100 form to get costody of kid can any one tell me the length of time it takes and what happens can't afford a solicitor
SeparatedDads Editor 12/01/2015 at 1:49 pm
@Gh - It's very difficult to anticipate what a court may say as it will always attempt to decide what the best interest for the child is. However, if he hasn't had much contact then the supervised visits may be upheld. Unfortunately, we can't advise what the outcome of court procedure will be.
Gh 10/01/2015 at 12:20 pm
my sons dad isnt on my sons birth certificate because when i wad pregnant he didnt want to know the baby hes walked in and out numerous times since my son was born two years ago and i dont let my son go with him anymore due to my son screaming hysterically and making himself sick not to go we tried mediation but it didnt work i said he can see him at a kids play centre but he refuses and says he wanye to take him i dont get along with his family and because his new girlfriend doesnt want him around me.My sons dads a occasional cocaine user i do not feel my son will be safe with his family as its only when they can fit him in and i want a set structured times for him as we already have our own routine they dont have any sort of bond that i can see from he is saying he is takint me to court(due to the pressure from his mum) but im worried as i dont want my son screaming being sick and coming home behaving badly like before. What would the court say about this?
RC 17/11/2014 at 4:17 pm
I only recently came across the Seperated Dads website. Thanks for providing such an informative and helpful website. I will gladly make a donation on my next payday.
I have not seen my daughters for over 6 months due to my spiteful wife who i have been seperated from for almost 2 years. I have just got word that my legal aid review has been granted so she will be getting served with court papers soon and I am looking to get some kind of contact as soon as possible as the past few months have been a living nightmare as shes not even allowed me to speak to my daughters (3 &6 years old) in all this time. Anyway, I was wondering if your going to court guide applies to me as I live in Scotland and my understanding is the law in England and Wales is very different?
Any advice would be much appreciated, Thanks
Ry 06/11/2014 at 11:44 pm
Hi
I have not seen my son who is five year old, in over six weeks his mother has told me to forget about him and has blocked all my family's number from her phone.
She has done this before but now she has a new boy Freind and I feel he has influenced her dedication.

Please help me To see my son.

I look forward to your reply.

Best regards
Ryaz Domas
SeparatedDads Editor 14/10/2014 at 1:37 pm
@tony - we don't have an actual templete, but it lets you know on the page how to lay one out. Or perhaps you could get back in touch with whoever sent you the original and ask them to re-send. Hope this helps.
tony 13/10/2014 at 2:56 pm
The family court have request i serve a statement of truth upon the respondent (the ex) also the court, and the local authority, regarding interim contact with my children until the final directions hearing at the end of the year. The issue is i cant find the statement of truth template i have been sent. I was wandering if someone could send me a hyperlink to this template, thank you!
Brents Cell 14/09/2014 at 9:05 am
Im been separated from ex, for two weeks. She wanted me out of the house... So I went to my mothers for the Weekend. Then I ask if I could. One home and she said it was over between us.. She works and I was the homemaker for 4 years straight.. She all has a emotional disorder, but tried to comit attempted Suicide.. Then came the Dwi... And now she thinks the kids are hers and the courts will make me pay. Cause we have 2 children to gether , and she has one more from another.. What r my options and can I get full costudy of my two children? Ty ffor your time
Bell 28/08/2014 at 9:56 am
My son lived with me after the divorce and my ex husband was granted acess to my son every other weekend. we both have responsibility for my son. About 6 months ago my son started having problems with depression and was very unhappy at school as I found out he was being bullied. I had to ask for help with social services to get the problems sorted as my son became very aggressive towards me and I could not get help from doctors or a psycologist. My son started wanting to stay off school and I was threatened with a fine for him being absent even though he was being bullied and the school was aware as I had been in regular meetings etc. Social services eventually asked for my son to be moved to his father's as he was still being very volatile with me. I agreed that if my son wanted to go live with his father it would have to be discussed fully and I would need notice as financially I would have to get a full-time job etc. My son has a disability ( mild ) but emotionally he is delayed. Social Services then contact the school one afternoon and he was encouraged to walk to his fathers and take up residence with him. Since that time I have had no regular contact with my some. My ex has been twisting his mind telling him I am an abusive mother and not fit to see or be in contact with. What I need to know is if my son has a disability and is being influenced by the ex and his partner, can I get access to my son who is 14 years old. Will the judge say no he doesn't want to see you. I am a caring loving mother who misses her son and has been a good mother for 14 years. Need advice on how to go forward as financially I cannot afford to go to court. Thanks very much.
sam 12/08/2014 at 1:40 pm
Hi I am thankful for anyone who could advise me please? My current partner is paying c s a for his 2 children, age 8 and 9, the c s a have changed the rules and although he has paid direct from his wages his ex does not recieve the payment now for a month, as a result she has decided now that the children will not see their father, would anybody know if she can stop contact purely for the reason that the c s a have changed the way they pay? And advice would be very much appreciated. Many thanks.
nell 02/08/2014 at 12:22 pm
hi my ex partner is asking if he can remove his application to court after he is faced with the possibility of only getting indirect contact . he has asked if we could put all of this aside and me to allow him to see his daughter out of court can he do this and where does he stand
Mark 31/07/2014 at 2:18 am
I am in the early stages of a separation with my partner we have a 16 year old step daughter and a five year old son. We are not married. I am on the 5 year olds birth certificate. We both work and own a house together. The seperation is amicable to the extent that there are no third parties involved. I am in the process of deciding what to do with the house I.e sell and split equity, or keep paying mortgage but move out. I am concerned as to what sort of access rights I am likely to get to my son . I am keen to understand that if I move out (whichever the scenario with our current house is) what likely overnight access I would be granted if it couldn't be sorted between parties . I plan to remain local , have brought my son up jointly with my partner and consider myself to be a caring and responsible parent . Please can anyone give me a clue ?
Jake 10/07/2014 at 6:31 pm
I have a question regarding Child arrangement orders. I recently applied for an order and in the hearing was granted an order for indirect contact. However I am not happy with this out come and would like to know, is there an appeals process ? In the hearing I agreed to the order because I did not fully understand it's scope or limitations. It was only after I received the order by post, that I found it was not what I believed had been decided in the hearing.
I would greatly appreciate your help with this matter

Yours Sincerely

Me Jacob Williams
taylor5788 05/07/2014 at 10:11 am
I am moving to an EU country and my sons mother won't let him travel to visit me during school holidays whereas she will let me come back to the UK to visit him but I cant do this too often because of work. Is there any legal action which I can take and does she have the right to stop my son visiting me overseas?
She was happy to have him travel to France with his nan for a holiday but now she has a problem with my son visiting me also with his nan.
What can I do?
Aims 21/05/2014 at 1:19 pm
Hi

My Partner is approaching his Final Hearing for hopefully gaining more contact to his daughter cafcass have reccomened access overnight and very frequesntly which the Mother has refused hence it going to a contested hearing

Do you have any advice on writting teh statement that needs to be issued an also what documents need to be given prior to the hearing.

Thanks
lEWY 08/05/2014 at 7:33 pm
I would want some advice on how to withdraw contact with my daughter. The court granted me contact to see my daughter once every month. My daughter is made by my ex-partner to mention things which never happenned to school teachers trying to tarnish my image. My daughter also told the Cafcass officer that she witnessed me raping her mother 10 times when she was 3 years. This was not believed and recently she mentioned her teacher that she is not happy because Im forcing her to see my partner who she was made to falsely claim by her mum that my partner used to hit her when she was 3 years old. My daughter is not willing to have overnight contact with me because she is made to believe that my partner is a danger to her. This has affected my relation with my daughter and I wish to withraw my application as it will affect my career being falsely accused. How do I withraw the current contact.
Chappers 03/05/2014 at 6:03 pm
My ex partner left me when my son was 2 month's old and I have not seen him since. He is now 16 months old. I am on the Birth Certificate and am the Biological father. I have tried to make contact with her via multiple methods and I am ignored, blocked, barred etc. She has also moved over 350miles away to an unknown address which no one will give me, so I cannot even visit unannounced on the rare occasion that I could do so!! She left with a lot of bills that I have been forced to pay and am still paying! I will not be able to afford court fee's as a result. I make CSA payments which I never disputed. What are my options and what can be done so I can at least see what my son looks like?
Cameron 05/03/2014 at 10:53 pm
As above, I cant see the download link here? Anyone help
Nikki 07/12/2013 at 12:22 pm
hello,

the mother of my partners child has stopped his acces for no reason. he is on the birth citificate and the child was born in 2008. Does that mean he automatically has perental rights? and what does he need to do to gain access again? he cannot talk to the mother as she will not answer his calls. any advice would be greatly apriciated.

Kind Regards

Nicola Jones
stuart shaw 26/09/2013 at 8:45 pm
Please point me in the right direction...
I am trying to download lots of the paper work and info on matters but i canot see the download button. just for example i cant download Guide to Court 1: 1st Hearing; Court Forms & Statement.

if you can help

please point the way

many thanks

stuart

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