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I wanted to wait till today was over to do an update. My son had his final hearing today and due to mediation being very successful and both parties agreeing and the fm1 completed it went to court and went through without any more hold ups. Overnight stays will start in July , Christmas, birthdays sorted a weeks holiday a year and the most important bit parental responsibility.
Its been a long 4 years, only 9 months of that in the court room. I advise that you don't wait to see and hope things will improve, act sooner rather then later. Don't get to bogged down with , she said this he said that, typing up every text (I did it) you wont need it. I would say if DV or wild allegations of abuse are thrown then you will need the evidence to disprove. The first hearing is a direction don't expect a miracle Its soul destroying the first session and very stressful, don't expect to much to happen then you wont feel so let down and like me went to the pub and had a lot of beer to drown the stress.
. Mediation isn't cheap but cheaper then a solicitor it took 5/6 hours of sessions. The mediator was very skilled in fact a practice family solicitor so knew her stuff.
Now considering 9 months ago contact had been stopped then restarted with a list of restrictions. Restrictions are now lifted. and we cant wait to have the little person in our family and we are going to enjoy every second of it . 😀
That's fantastic news ak... Your son is very lucky to have such a resourceful Mum! If it hadn't been for you this would have dragged on for years. We've both been on a huge learning curve in our quest for justice for our grandchildren.
I hope that you will stick around and keep on sharing and supporting with your wealth of experience and down to earth advice.... I insist! 🙂
well Jane when we get time off for good behaviour a spa day is our reward ! wonder if M or J will treat lol
That is such lovely news and well done to you and your son. We are just at the start of this process (I too am a grandparent helping my son fight this).
You said if DV or wild allegations of abuse are thrown then you will need the evidence to disprove, how can you do this if the mother says it was a verbal accusation when just the 2 of them were present?
Enjoy your time with your little one, I am so very pleased for you (if a little jealous :} )
Brilliant new.
I would disagree with your advice not to type up texts etc and keep a diary. In 99% of cases, as you say, you won't need it - but it's better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it.
actd like you said 99 per cent you don't, and anything relevant yes keep , but we can so get bogged down with the petty issues . Just concentrate on the child side of things, dates of contact, when they were stopped etc. not the slanging matches between adults. Every case is different, but from our case and my brothers none of it was required.
Fantastic news,
Your problems will have helped many people through this public forum.
I have realised last year that there is nothing to improve quality time with your child for the rest of their childhood, and for you to make the most of being a parent, than to have that taken away from you for a while.
This is something we all have in common and it makes us unique parents,
Enjoy the future!
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