Going to court to get Access to my Children

alwaysonthego_2

MOVING THREADS FOR BETTER RESPONSES

Hi, we move threads if we think they’ll get more help elsewhere (please read the forum rule) so this post/thread has been moved to another board. If you have any questions about this policy please email [EMAIL="forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com"]forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com[/EMAIL].

EclipsedMind

Right it's great you have got the C100 and it is fairly simple to do all the paperwork. However no matter what crap you have endured at the hands of your Ex you need to avoid getting into that and just focus on the children. Probably start a fresh C100 as in all likelihood what you have written is probably not going to help you.

All the texts etc are fluff ignore them but hang on to them. When filling in the C100 it should simply say that you want a contact order and the reason is that contact is denied by mum contrary to the children's best interests.

You need to have tried mediation before applying to court so if you have not already done so instruct mediators and get the FM1 filled in. A c100 and FM1 should be enough to start with. A position statement can be submitted just ahead of the first hearing (even on the day is OK - don't forget to give other side a copy).

Unless you are particularly good at holding your temper and talking under pressure I would think about a McKenzie friend (professional ones work for about 1/4 of a solicitors fees). I would also get to an FNF meeting to get some advice on what to do and how the system works http://www.fnf.org.uk/help-and-support/local-branch-meetings

When you are in the court system you will discover that what mum says and does is not really going to paid attention to. She will probably accuse you of random stuff to try to win the case and throughout it you will have to just take it and disprove the allegations without returning fire. She can be an evil vicious harpy towards you without censure and raising such issues will always count against you so best to bite your tongue. The goal here is for the children to have time with Dad so don't lose sight of that and start fighting.

After 2 years of court and denied contact my DD lives with me and I have a residence order so nothing is impossible and I represented myself throughout. Remember its about the child's rights the court will be deciding on so anything you do or say should always be about the children.

Good Luck.

EM

nicky3

Try Families need Fathers for help and advice, also they have mckenzie friends to help with legal process if needed

jacklink

pay nothing, firstly you will be wasting your money, you can go to court as many times as it happens but at the end of the day she can keep them away from you and nothing will happen, this is how courts ect make money, they make it one sided so its unfair so one will always dispute, so one will be in court making money for solicitors ect,

jacklink

once you get it in your head its not about the kids, but its all about money in law and courts then you will understand, tough lesson to learn, take time and think about it,