child contact

[mooglet]

My daughters ex husband has took her to court to get access to see their 1 year old daughter. It went ok the first couple of times, a few questions were raised about his ability to care for the child and now he has got nasty. He did not pay his solicitor bills and now has to represent himself, my daughter has a solicitor. The first visit that was to take place outside the contact centre was a nightmare as he insisted on bringing his girlfriend, the woman that broke up the marriage, insensitive or what.? My daughter is threatening just to stop contact and not turn up. What would happen? What would the court do? Its due for a court review in May. I think that if he stops bringing the girlfriend things could progress but would a court agree to this?

[Pippa68]

I'm afraid it is in situations like this that feelings about ex partners and their new partners have to be put aside.

I do sympathise ~ I went through the same thing with my ex and it was incredibly hard. However nothing would have prevented me from making sure my children had contact with their father.

Stopping contact could get your daughter into a lot of trouble. Speaking with the court welfare officer could help (do they still have those? it's been a while since I dealt with all that!).

If I were her, I would swallow my pride and keep the visit going. When the review comes along the situation can be addressed then. From experience, the court won't stop contact simply because of a new partner ~ it is their view that life moves on and these things should be accomodated. Just remember one day the boot will be on the other foot ;o)