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Hello all,
I joined today and thought I'd introduce myself. I am a proud (divorced) father to a gorgeous 3 year old boy but due to my ex being the most spiteful, unreasonable person I have ever come across, I have been to Court 9 times over the last 2 years in order to see and maintain a relationship with him.
I don't claim to be an expert, but I have been representing myself which really isn't difficult. I have had just about every imaginable allegation thrown at me and have seen them all off. It's now got to the point where I am going to sue my ex and the CAFCASS officer who took her at her word and labelling me without even giving me the right of reply. Drugs, alcohol, violence, rape etc, you name it, I've been accused of it.
From being told I would never to my son, I now see him regularly (including overnight) and have been given carte blanche by the Court to take him on holiday whenever I wish whether his mother likes it or not. I even got his surname changed. My advice to anyone is to think very carefully before making an application to Court, you will be starting a long and painful process where you, as the father, will have to prove yourself worthy to see your child/children.
Above all, beware CAFCASS although I'm sure most of you here realise that.
Hi anunnaki
Welcome to Dadtalk and sharing your experience with us. It sounds as if you have been through a harrowing time. You've come through it though and got the best result ever - spending lots of time with your lovely son 😀 It can't have been an easy journey and it's sad that you have been put in a position where you are now having to sue your ex and the CAFCASS officer. Not having had any dealings with CAFCASS myself, I can't comment but I am sure that other dads who may have similar stores to tell will respond to your post in due course.
Thanks Mikey, much appreciated.
Like I said, I'm no expert but do have a lot of experience that others might benefit from. Representing oneself is not difficult and Courts seem to respect fathers that do. Solicitors are expensive and are working for themselves, always keep that in mind.
Having said that, I have hired a barrister to sue my ex and the CAFCASS officer as that is out of my league. I'm not doing it just for me but for the countless other fathers who have suffered like I have. CAFCASS and Social Services are not fit for purpose, everybody knows it and if I can do my bit to change things, then that's good. Don't get me wrong, I don't see myself as a martyr but the injustice of the Family Courts has to change. The Judges are no fools but CAFCASS is anti male and this must change.
- Samaritans – call 116 123
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