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So I’ve paid 8 grand out in fees to solicitor, missed 5 months of my child’s life and got two hours more than mum was giving me at the start. On the order it states child will live with mum is that a residence order?
To anyone thinking of going to court because you’re bitter don’t bother it will back fire. I got no overnights, no holidays just a poxy 8 hours a week. Ex self represented and cafcass on her side from the get go.
Feel let down and annoyed.
Technically, residence orders don't exist any more, they are all called Child Arrangement Orders, but yes, that is what you have got. Unfortunately, in court, it's not possible for both parties to get what they want (if it was, you wouldn't be in court in the first place) and there are no guarantees on the outcome. However, you have got an increase, so it is a starting point - my advice is to give it a few months to let it settle down and establish a good track record, and then look at going back to court to get the time increased with a view to building up to overnights. You can self represent next time, so the only cost will be the application fee (about £215 I think), and the courts rarely reduce the amount of contact unless there are welfare or safety concerns, so you don't have a lot to lose by trying again
Hi There,
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I agree with ACTD, I know it may not seem like you have come out of the courts with very much but as said you have at least got an increase.
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Ensure that going forward you play everything 100% by the book, turn up on time to collect and return and be pleasant about everything, no cross words about anything, and then return back to court as actd has said.
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GTTS
It can be tough when you have a history of convictions, actd and GTTS have given you some good advice, your baby is still very young, keep your nose clean and try and establish a better relationship with the mother, be polite when dealing with her... I understand how hard that might be, it it will work in your favour in the long run.
If you can get regular contact going, and stay away from issues with the mother, in another year or so it would appropriate to apply for a variation of the order to get contact progressed. You don't need a solicitor, and as she's likely not to have one, it will probably work better if you self represent.
Allthe best
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