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Right- thought I'd give an update on my situation:
Baby born in July 2017, initial contact, private DNA done and started giving maintenance. Oct 2017, babys mother stops contact, disappears and not located (in new area 2 hours drive away) until Sept 2018- Police involved, no further action, allegations of DV made.
I had a non molestation order served on me in Sept last year- I contested this the week later (she turned up with barrister, solicitor, someone from church a DV counsellor and minute taker). I said to Judge I would rather not have the counsellor sit in court after being asked if I minded.
I've been self representing (my job involves criminal Law, so I have an idea of court process, know how to give/produce evidence, produce statements, etc) and am proud to say I have not spent a penny on Legal assistance.
December appearance in Family court saw her make allegations I broke the order- final hearing put off till Feb.
Feb appearance saw accusations against friends and family as well as more dates in which I broke the order- Costs awarded to me, although I dropped the ball by saying I will pay for a court approved DNA test (Judge would've likely split it both ways)- £500 to do a new test. £400 for DNA clinic and £100 to her GP.
She now changes solicitor (she moved), changes GP. Re appeared in March, new statements from family and friends- she gave witness evidence (character assassination) and this final hearing was now extended after the whole day involved her talking.
April the Final hearing (finally)- I took the stand and gave evidence, my exhibits included contactless bank statements, travel evidence and other related things that put me in another city (where I reside) and not spying/staking/harassing her. The Judge did his fact finding and all 17 allegations against me were dismissed. A contact hearing was set up after this and I now will be able to see my daughter in a contact centre initially, with contact around the mothers new town by October. Game on 😉
Excellent news Diamond! You will be back on track for Christmas.
I’ve shared your post on our new “Success Stories” thread, we all need feel good stories and it gives so much encouragement to our members struggling to see any light.
Well done and keep us posted.
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