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Hi I'd appreciate your help.
Briefly I am the father of a 3 year old boy but, unfortunately, myself and my wife are going through a difficult time and wish to separate (not divorce as yet, just separate). Unfortunately we have a difference of opinions on child access. I would like my son to stay over 2 weekday nights every week and every other weekend (making a total of 4 nights one week and 2 nights the other). I have been heavily involved in bringing him up so far and would like this to continue. My wife on the other hand, does not have an issue with me seeing him through the day but is adamant that he will spend every night with her. She believes this will be less disruptive for him (something i disagree with).
Unfortunately i can see no real compromise. The problem then is, should i move out before this issue is resolved? I worry that as soon as i move out that my case to have my child stay overnight gets weaker as time goes by. And of course, i dont want weeks and months to go by without having my son staying overnight with me,
Thanks very much
It's so unfair that the mother seems to think that she has the right to call the shots, parenting is a two way thing after all....unfortunately this is the mindset of many women.
I think you should try either mediation or Relate before you make a move out of the family home. It might help to get all the issues out in the open and discuss with mediators/counsellors what is best for the child and yourselves moving forward. You could encourage her to attend by agreeing to move out once the sessions are underway and agreements can be reached.
www.nfm.org.uk
www.relate.org.uk
Best of luck
Personally the concept out of sight, out of mind works. Your foot is still in the door so I would consider the mediation option and offer court as a fail safe demonstrating that you want your son to remain close to you and do not want to be isolated from his life.
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