stepson

[ldobson]

i have a 13 year old step son who doesnt want to see his mam she has threatened to take us to court to see him but surely it is his choice now what could a court do we cant force him to see her can we?

[Pippa68]

I would guess that the court would ask him if he wants to have contact with his mother as he is 13 years old.

Court welfare officers may well get involved to make sure he isn't being forced into not seeing her (not that I am implying this is what you are doing, but it does happen!)

In my own experience it can be a long winded process where both parties are heard in court & each case is dealt with accordingly.

Hope this helps a little.

[JackDanielsU]

The kid should always come first.

Do you know why he doesnt want to go and see his Mum?

Hopefully she will see her son is unhappy with something in her life, (new partner, new house etc) and not force him to do anything

Hopefully your partner can talk to his ex, and make sure that she realises that their son is important to them both, but his happiness is the concern.

Hope it all goes well

[dancecaller]

Is there any chance that she would delay going to court if her son offered to go to a Relate counsellor with her http://www.relate.org.uk/wantadvice/ . I think they would both get the chance to put there views in private (maybe you as well) then have the other sides views explained to them.

They may be able to persuade her not to go to court, or suggest a compromise.

[ldobson]

thanks dancecaller but i think it will go to court as the ex thinks it is all a game after 4 years of being 400 miles away from her son she has now decided she has a millionaire boyfrind who will pay for everything in court and she has said they are going to make us bankrupt!