To keep a long story short, me and the ex (mother of my daughter) mutually split up December 2015. I managed to still see my daughter and go round and put her to bed in the evenings. I then met my new partner May 2016. I held off letting my daughter get involved with my new partner until I felt it was right. My new partner introduced me to her two children a couple of months into being together. I then decided to introduce my daughter into the group. My ex didn’t like this and decided to stop me seeing my daughter until we had done mediation and came up with a plan, we came up with a plan that I wasn’t entirely happy with but did it for my daughters sake. When I went to pick my daughter up on the Thursday morning there was no one home and the same happened on the Friday morning and I had been told that I would never see my daughter again. The last time I saw my daughter was September 2016. This has caused me great sadness as I have such a loving family including my little boy and two step kids. I have found myself bring grumpy on occasions, shout at people when I am frustrated and the worst thing was turn to gambling for a year in which I spent £6000. I have come out if the gambling altogether by having counselling sessions and self-exclusion. If someone could offer any advice for the mood swings and grumpiness I would be really grateful as I just want to be a normal dad/stepdad. Allan
hi rugby,
i am very sad to hear that. in that time did you consider going to court about getting access to your child? about £300 will get you into court and you can represent yourself. no need to go broke paying solicitors.
Hi Bill,
Yes I did consider getting access and had filled out the forms I needed to get it done. I was told by a number of people that even if I was granted access then there was still a chance that my ex could still stop me seeing her. My ex hadn’t just stopped me but has now stopped my mum and dad and her mum and dad from seeing my daughter. I have a memory box of all the Xmas and birthday cards that I have for her and toys that she I fed had at mine. My new partner won’t let me speak to her about it so I only speak to my mum and dad. That’s why I chose to go on the forum as I’m trying to deal with the grumpiness and the mood swings. Allan
You need to go to your GP and get advice there - I would expect you would be referred to counselling, which I think will help you with your moods.
I would go to court - you really don't have anything to lose, and even if you don't get all you want, your daughter will know you fought to see her, if not now, then in the future.