I'm hopeful that once I get an opportunity before a professional Circuit Judge and utilize relevant case law like the one Chapter referred to above, a better order will be issued.
You want to be careful not to be complacent in thinking that just because it's a higher level judge you'll get a better order. You may get a better order, but it could also backfire and you ruin your chances of ever getting a better order.
Show that you took the magistrates feedback on board, that you listen and change for the benefit of your child. They specifically talk about school, latch onto that. Be present for parent meetings, make sure the school has your contact details and you are kept informed of what's going on with your child. Is your daughter attending any activities that you can take her to during the week ? Is she doing well at school ? What are her favorite and least favorite subjects ? Can you help her with her homework, either directly or through a tutor ?
Once you have shown yourself to be a caring loving father, then make the case that yes she needs stability, nonetheless the emotional stability of having a meaningful full on relationship with both her parents and extended families, not a "I see my dad twice a month and he takes me to the park and I hardly ever see the rest of my paternal family" relationship.
Thanks for your message. I have no access to her during the week at this time, so I cannot help her with any home work or take her to any hobbies and activities. According to the new order, I can only collect her at 6pm every other Friday and return her to her mother's home Sunday at 4pm. I do receive the weekly school newsletter and if there's a chance to participate in any activities I will, yet I still must avoid any potential clashes with the mother, who obviously has been given full charge over my daughter during school weeks by the magistrates, with me being totally sidelined.That is exactly what I'm fighting against, being denied full participation in my daughter's life, especially involvement in her week-time schooling activities and her hobbies. And no, there's no chance for any complacency....i'm doing all that I can to submit a very strong basis for appeal that will increase the chances of the case going before a Circuit Judge. I have been left with zero faith in the use of lay justices in family law matters.
Thanks, Mojo. I have been trying non-stop to get through to them and will continue to do so until i get through. Your help is most sincerely appreciated.