I am a single Dad of 4 that works full time to support my home and children.
Both my sons have autism (16 and 5) and I also have 2 daughters one of which I am not permitted to see with the exception of my ex partners home which as you can imagine is highly uncomfortable for me and my other children (from a separate relationship) when visiting.
Despite regular on time agreed financial payments and no history at any point throughout our relationship of any derogatory, violence or police involvement. No that the relationship has finished my ex has determined I am a bad father even though many friends, my other 3 children and people I know would disagree. My heart is on my sleeve and the reason I live and breathe is for my children however not being able to see my youngest daughter is the hardest thing on earth!!
I am very diplomatic and despite resolutions to meet a compromise to allow me to take my own daughter out etc.... this has proved futile and even mediation will not work even though we have seen no mediation professionals yet. My only option is court however I have read many times that mediation must be used first which is impossible so I am kind of going around in circles?
Any advice other people can give to me in this situation?
you need to attempt mediation progress to court - if it goes nowhere quickly (or she refuses to attend) then the mediators signs off the relevant form and you can then progress to court, so it shouldn't be an issue to try it.
As actd says, if mediation fails, or she refuses to attend, the mediator will sign the form to enable you to make an application to court for a Child Arrangements Order.
You can make an appointment with the mediator and discuss what the issues are and leave it to them to write to her to ask her to attend. Here’s a link to mediation services
www.nfm.org.uk
There’s lots of info about the court process in the stickys at the top of the legal eagle section, it’s worth having a look to give yourself some idea of what to expect.
If it gets as far as court, you have the choice to instruct a solicitor, or to self represent, we have many members that have represented themselves with much success and if that is your choice, we will do what we can to advise and support you. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.
All the best
hi, you should attempt mediation ASAP. depends on different situations. i had monster ex who cut all contact. i did not even tell her about mediation lol. why waste time on a brick wall? i attended MIAM assessment on my own. mediator just signed me off to make court application, as he was convinced trying to get her to mediate would be complete waste of time and i need to see kids.
... if the mediator feels that mediation would be inappropriate they will sign off the forms... you do get some sticklers that will hold out to speak to both parties, before agreeing to signing mediation off.