Right to see kid's ?

shayne66

hi, am posting on behalf of my sister who is currently in hospital as she has got herself in a bit of a pickle and was after some advice please.

Basically she has split from an ex boyfriend (no blood relation to either child) a couple of years now but have continued allowing him to take and look after my sister's 2 kid's at various times during the week and weekends as well. as the children enjoyed spending time with him and his family.

I don't know the real reason as off yet but my sister and ex has had a falling out and she's not letting him see her kid's anymore.

He today has sent my sister a letter saying that he has sought advice and that due to time spent with the kid's etc that he is entitled to continue to see them and has given her till friday to respond before he take it any further.

Can anyone offer advice or point us in the right direction please ?.

Thank You.

System

What is the reason she doesnt want him to see them?

shayne66

am not too sure at minute, she was saying that one child dosn't like to sleep on his bed at the ex house as the mattress springs have gone, but am thinking that there might be more than that and will beat it out of her tomorrow.

System

but am thinking that there might be more than that and will beat it out of her tomorrow.

Hope thats just a figure of speech.

theoretica

There are some posts on this site about whether grandparents have the right to see their grandchildren, which I think is much the same situation. It seems anyone can ask to bring a court case for access to kids. But the answer is usually no.

ALIBOBSY

unless the children are in danger/being abused by him or his family it would seem to be really petty and selfish to cut the kids off from a supportive relationship, family aren't always just blood.

Obviously if she does suspect something is going on then she is absolutely right to stop the access. But I wonder if her ex has found himself a new girlfriend and your sister doesn't like it?

Although legally he doesn't have any automatic rights I could see a court ruling it is in the best interests of the child to continue to see him in the same way grandparents or step parents might get access. Better for the kids to settle things calmly between them tbh

Ali x

clairec79

Depending on the ages of the children and how long the relationship lasted he could be the only father figure these children have known, good on him for wanting to maintain that relationship

shayne66

Okay, my sister has received a court summons as her ex is taking her to court for custody of the 2 kids.

He recently sent her a text saying that she's an unfit mother, due to her not been able to work (she has medical reasons) and that he can offer the kids a better life as he has 3 jobs etc.
Although my sister isn't in work they don't go without, have tablets, games consols, eat out a lot and go away in a caravan and day trips. Also more importantly they go to school everyday.
My dad helps my sister out a lot with support and financially with the kids etc.

I just can't understand how her ex who isnt the father to either child, can try gain custody of the kids when they have/are probably better off then most familes.
This is one of the reasons why my sister wanted to stop him from seeing the children as he is so controlling.

fairy_lights

How old are the children? Was it their decision not to see him anymore or their mothers?

FBaby

Custody? Is he kidding? He is the one who will have to battle just to be able to get contact!

How long did they live together? Did he ever get parental responsibility?

I think he is taking it out of proportion but your sister is wrong to stop contact if the kids have been raised to know him as their dad unless there are some real welfare issues.

ps: being a good parent is not about whether you can afford to spoil them with material things.

bossymoo

She needs legal advice.

However well meaning, posters on here won't be able to offer specific advice, or predict any outcomes.