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Hi, my first time and Im at my wits end. My relationship with my 8 yr old sons mother ended 5 years ago. Her arrangement was I see him Fri to Sun every other week. I pay maintenance and see my son in addition to this also. I have recently got engaged and am getting married next year and have moved in with my new partner. My son has mentioned that I have moved and this weekend I am due to see my son but have been informed if I do not tell her where Im living then I can not see him. As I collect him and drop him off Im not sure if she has any legal right to stop me seeing him with the agreed arranagment just because of this. He is a very sensitive child and am experiencing all kinds of difficulties with his mother (although she is in a relationship and has been for years) basically stating I am a bad father and need to make more effort. I work full time and do as much a s I can to see my son even if it means coming straight in from work and doing a hours journey there and back just to see him for 1/2 a hr. Please can someone tell me what my rights are as I want to see my son without the issues that she causes but she is almost making it impossible when she makes threats and tells me I cant see him because she says so. Any advise would be appreciated..... Thanks David
Hi
is there any reason you dont want to give your ex your new address. Im presuming you are on his birth certificete and have parent responsibility.
Hi David and welcome!
...I think as she is the resident parent she has the right to know where her son is whilst he is away from home. The Coram Childrens Legal Centre can tell you what the legal stance is, one of the Moderators can ask them to come along and comment.
If the contact arrangement has been working fairly smoothly for a number of years, I would try and keep it amicable, as the other options are to make it official, but that would entail involving mediation and possibly the courts. As you are working its unlikely you will be entitled to Legal Aid, unless you are on a low income. Mediation and applying to the courts, even if you represent yourself, is costly.
If you had your son living with you, and the mother came every other weekend to take him for contact away from you for 2/3 days, wouldn't you feel it right that you knew where he was? Some may say, that is responsible parenting...She may be using it as an excuse to be awkward, but at the same time she does have a point I think.
This is only my opinion and whatever you decide I wish you well.
If you’re worried about her causing you problems remember you can always call the police!
My ex sprung that one on me when I demanded in court to know where my son was living, I was then a week later served with her application for a Non-molestation order! Basically its like a restraining order saying you’re not allowed anywhere near her or within a set distance of where she lives!
My ex is a paranoid freak and I’ve never been around to the house or ever done anything that would give her reason to do this….and yes I can prove that statement and have done in court!
All she did it for was to try and scare me and weaken my case in court….the judge saw straight through it but I was worried I can tell you!
Anyway….it doesn’t just work for a woman!!! its there for you too to use if she starts harassing you don’t forget!!!
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