Child Access

[hazboy]

My son lives with his mother, in Hastings i think. I have not seen him for about 6 years is there anyway i can gain access to him. I pay maintenance for him and i would like to start seeing him on a regular basis. What can i do?

[Pippa68]

As you haven't been in contact with your son for a long time it may be difficult, as courts favour parents who have trid to contact their children or at least sent birthday cards, made phone calls etc.

Have you no idea where your ex and son are? the first port of call would be getting a solicitor to give you advice (get a free consutation) one who specialises in family law, of course.

They can advise as to whether it is worth you applying for a court order regarding contact. As you have been paying maintenance you have one foot in the door, anyway!

Try putting this Q in the law section as you may find experts there. Good luck :o)

[hazboy]

many thanks pippa68. I have no idea where he is

[Vesper99]

It is essential that you see a solicitor as suggested.

Presumably you pay maintenace through a court and therefore it is not impossible to contact your former partner.

However, your case is very weak since you have let 6 years go by without contact. The court takes the position from the child's point of view: is it in this child's interest to have contact with his father or after this time would it be too upsetting. The strength of your argument is that you have been patying maintenance which shows some commitment.

Do something about it NOW: the longer you wait the worse it will be.