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My Partner has a 4 year old girl who he has overnight on saturdays (unless he is working which is one weekend a month) when he is off work he will have her a week or fortnight at a time and he totally dotes on her - the problem is that her mum is threatening to cut access to his daughter and we dont know where to turn
Hi Essie and welcome to the forum!
Is there a reason why she is threatening this or has she given a reason why? Are there areas of disagreement, e.g. maintenance etc?
I would argue that there are three options available to you, depending upon the circumstances:
1. Try and discuss the matter(s) with her informally and try to compromise over any issues or establish why she might feel the need to do this - this could generate a shared-parenting plan to which both parties agree to abide by
2. Mediation - this can cost, dependant upon both parties' financial positions, and more information can be found at www.nfm.org.uk. This would involve both parties meeting, either together if agreed or seperately to begin with, at a neutral location with an independent, trained mediator who could potentially help you/them to reach a similar agreement
3. The courts. I would argue that this should be the last resort, particularly if she has not yet withdrawn contact or communicated why, however if she is unwilling to communicate or consider the options above then you may have no alternative but to apply for a contact order. Obviously this option has a number of negatives and positives which could be discussed later if necessary but you would need to either appoint a solicitor to act on your behalf or file a C100 form in your local family court - there is a guide on this at the top of the 'Leagle Eagle' forum page
If you need any further help then post back and I'm sure I or someone else will be able to help
Hi Essie
The only thing I would add to Isdad's advice is, if your partner hasn't already done so, to keep every bit of correspondenc, tests (transcribe these out with date and time - it's too easy to lose them on a phone) and transcripts of all conversations, and above all, try to rise above any provocation on his ex's part.
- Samaritans – call 116 123
- Shout – text the word ‘Shout’ to 85258
