Father's Court Success Story!!!!

lepetit

Just wanted to offer some encouragement to those in same positions as we used to be.

I've been on here a bit over the years ranting about how ridiculous my fiance's ex is over contact with their son (11) and eventually we court her to court April 2010!

My fiance has represented himself - the money we dished was application to court! His ex has spent over £5k.

From day one we have found the court to be extremely helpful we are no longer at the mercy of the mother's mood swings, the LO has been listened to by CAFCASS and the contact he wants is being put in place with still room for increase!

We got our Shared Residence order today, half of all school holidays, bank holidays, inset days. With defined contact on all birthdays and fathers day. Plus 3 nights each week term time - this was our minimum and it was achieved despite the mother and her barrister (very rude) trying to thwart us at every turn!! They wanted LO to have just 1 night a week with his father and a residence order in her name.

I'm sure we have been lucky with the Judge and CAFCASS but I want this to act as encouragement to Dad's that have been led to believe that all courts go with the mother. Shared residence is becoming more and more popular so don't be scared - my fiance was for years and this is the best thing he has ever done and he did it by himself in that courtroom!! I have a lot of people to thank on here though for some great advice also!!!!

Nothing is set in stone - the LO is still not 100% but we got our minimum with a view to increase if LO isn't happy as the courts are aware he may not be!!!

I know all mothers aren't as bad and what we have had to deal with but at the end of the day there nothing concrete to give ANYONE a good enough reason to always allow the mothers the main residence and majority contact so GOOD DAD's who don't just want to SANTA on the weekends GO FOR IT!!!


So happy our LO got justice after all tears he's shed being torn away from his dad all these years!

jackieglasgow

I am so very pleased for your stepson lepetit, I have read your threads with interest and felt sure if you were as honest as you seemed that this would be the result.

pupsicola

Your stepson is very lucky to have a dad who loves him so much and wants to be a major part of his life.

Paulie'sGirl

Wonderful news lepetit, I'm genuinely touched by your obvious delight

Its nice to know the system does work, and that with right on your side you can win.

Hope you really enjoy your first extra time with LO and its a lovely family occasion

PGxx

mookiandco

To you and you OH's credit I know that you have placed the wishes of the LO above everything else and that the most important thing to you was that somebody listened to what he wanted. It has been a long drawn out battle but definitely worth it in the end xx

lepetit

Thanks so much everyone!! We are very happy!

Pee

Thank you very much for that heart warming post.

Jen151

congratulations to you, your OH & the LO. you sound like a very loving step mum, which must be nice for the wee guy

puddy

thank you for posting this, as an ex guardian and FCA, this is a message which I wish more men would have access to. the court system and the guardian/fca system is there to meet the needs of the child, not the parents. and although you have termed it the 'fathers' success story this is really a success for your stepson as its his needs that the court is concerned with. i worked with lots of dads whose initial stance towards contact nd residence was 'you only support the mums anyway' and until they were reassured by me explaining my work and the procedures, this stands in the way of a working relationship.

i also think its very important to also emphasise the fact that your fiance represented himself, there is no need to employ solicitors/barristers for anything other than very complex private proceedings, not only will it save privately paying individuals money but also the state as many parents are using legal aid, it really isnt necessary to have a solicitor if you do some basic groundwork first

Primmer

So pleased for you - I have read your other posts and it is good to hear that it has been worth it and that it worked out well for you and your OH

Primrose

Well done. Delighted your long term efforts and tenacity have finally been rewarded. I hope that anybody else who finds yourself in your position will be motivated by your success to continue fighting.