Hi,
My sons mother lost responsibility of our son when he was 5, hes now 8. She has PR, because i think all mothers keep PR?
My son lives with me 'Live with' Court Order in place. She hasnt seen seen him in two years and hasnt taken me to court to get structured and safe visitation. She is unemployed. She lost responsibility of our son due to drink and drugs (social services and court decision, threshold met).
She has cancelled past contact and visitations.
However, im wondering, is there anything restricting her from applying for contact? I'd like to understand why she hasnt sought contact with our son, through legal means. She has said that she cant get legal aid, is this true? She said that about a year ago.
I guess im asking so that i can eliminate reasons she might have for not seeking contact. Because, when my son grows up, he might ask.
Also, naturally i dont want to feel bad if she genuinely cant seek contact.
ps - Informal contact is not possible, this i must stress.
Thanks.
Hi,
With legal aid, theres conditions such as your income/savings and if you have some kind of evidence of suffering domestic abuse/violence. I have come across cases where someone did suffer from abuse, but because they have a well paid job, they could not get legal aid.
In her situation, if she is getting benefits, then at the least she can submit a court application for free, and self represent if thats something she would consider. Or maybe she is put off by fact that she would have to spend lot of money hiring lawyers.
