Hi all
Any advice on our situation would be much appreciated!
Situation is sadly my partners ex wife passed away a week ago following a 2 year cancer battle leaving their 3 year old daughter. In the months leading to her death his ex had stated she wished her parents to be the main carers responsible for bringing up their daughter to which my partner declined much to the anger of his ex and her family. Despite my partners attempts to get the family to attend mediation they declined and proceeded to cut him out of the picture ultimately refusing to communicate directly with him and via an aunt and uncle in the family.
Following his ex passing we have had his daughter with us as he wants to settle her into her new routine with us, the family are fiercely controlling and have consistently contacted my partner during the past week stating that he is to return his daughter to them, he has subsequently agreed for them to see their granddaughter at nursery until he can agree a routine for contact in a more formal manner.
My partner has always had regular contact with his daughter, has paid child support and bowed to every whim of the family to avoid conflict and to ensure his daughters needs are always met.
We are aware that his ex has named her parents as guardians and we are awaiting a court order regarding a contact order request from them.
The above is only a brief summary, we have had legal advice that supports our view that they have limited control in the eyes of the law but we fear that continual court orders will ensue due to their guardian status. My partner has kept incredibly calm but it is all taking it's toll on him despite support from his family and I and it would be great to hear from anyone who has experienced a similar situation and come out the other side! If any more details are needed just let me know.
Thanks
B x