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Hello mods.
im looking for some advice on how to file for joint custody of my child?
i live in miltion keynes area and dont know where to start.
ive tryed rining around a few places like cab social services and dont seem to be getting any where.
im not worred about my daughters safety or nothing like that i just want to have more time with her im currently getting to see her 2 hours a forghtnight. with to be honest is wrong. i pay child matiniance £10 a week not much but i work part time. on checking how much i should pay it says only £6 so paying more then i upose to. i also buy her clothers etc on top of the matinance. if i want to see my daughter i have to make every trip there and back her mother wont even meet me half way or do one trip once a month etc. so any advice you can offer me i would be verry greatfull. sorry about the spelling mistakes.
Hi Daniel_f84 🙂
I'm surprised that the CAB couldn't give you some advice! Anyway you've come to the right place!
Its good that there are no safeguarding issues with your daughter but I agree, 2hrs a fortnight just isnt enough.
The first thing you should think about doing is to try Mediation, this is usually the first step you would take when there are issues about contact with children. I would recommend that you think about choosing a Mediation Centre close to where your ex lives, as distance can often be an excuse that is used for non attendance. Once you have contacted them they will arrange an appointment for you where you will discuss your concerns. They would then contact your ex and invite her to attend, if she agrees she would also be given the chance to talk about her issues. After this the Mediator would arrange for you both to attend together and talk through all of the issues and hopefully come to an agreement. There is a charge for this but if you are on benefits or a low wage you will qualify for Legal Aid to cover the cost.
If she refuses to attend Mediation then the only other thing that you can do is to apply to the court for a Contact Order. Legal Aid is no longer available to help with solicitors fees but you can represent yourself, there are lots of Dads that do. If you have to go down this route you will find lots of advice and support here.There is a fee of £200 to apply to the court, but again if you are on benefits or a low income you can apply for an exemption.
Heres a link to the Mediation website www.nfm.org.uk ...This can often be successful in sorting things out without the need to go to court which should always be a last resort.
Best of luck 🙂
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