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Hey Dads. This is my first ever post and I've deciddd to join because not only do I want advice but I've been given a court order not to talk on social media.
I have two young young children...unfortunately. I haven't seen them for several months now.
Last year I applied for mediation which my ex declined (£90 thrown away)
Then immediately after that I applied for access.
I got my hearing expecting i could see my kids. I'm clean, the forms my ex ticked even said I was clean ie. no abuse, no drugs, no threat. So I was totally shocked when her solicitor made a personal attack, totally made up and no proof was needed. Section 7 report was then needed.
A few weeks later my second hearing had turned up. It was ordered I have supervised visits and attend a parenting course. Annoying but one step closer i thought. I'm attending these courses and I'm expecting to see my kids soon.
HOWEVER..
I've breached the order and have said things about the case on Social media, which puts me in contempt of court and my ex is pushing this back to court.
Two questions really.
Firstly, What are the chances of me going to prison for a few posts? I'll add I'm representing myself.
Secondly, when i attend all these supervised days and the parenting course, what can happen next?
I don't think any judges would want a father to go to court based on posting something or facebook unless it is malicious - it will show lack of adherence to the system.
I also think restricting use of the father is probably against human rights for freedom to exercise their right and use social media, except for what the court specifically advises.
You need to look at your sealed court order in the first instance, what is the exact wording? Then look at your comment and analyse....
I wouldn't worry about going to prison, just you don't want to give them any fuel especially if your record is "perfect"
Unfortunately your story is nothing new, to be fair, although it must feel like [censored] for you, it's actually quite mild compared to some of our members experiences.
I would strongly advise not posting things on social media about childrens matters. They are highly confidential and courts don't take lightly to issues being shared.
I think it's highly unlikely you will go to prison but I would show contrition to the judge and hope they just give you a telling off.
I've moved your post to our Legal Eagle section which is the busiest topic here.
All the best.
I've basically said things along the lines of
"Haven't seen my kids for X amount of months now"
"Won't see my kids this Xmas because my ex has made personalallegations"
Also something from her soliciter.
I hope I don't go to prison. I am guilty of contempt but the fact my ex applied against me is disgusting. But what next?
She must hate me that much. Is there any chance of seeing my children after supervised contact
As you were court ordered not to post on social media, it's a little more serious, but as Yoda says, it's unlikely to lead to prison as long as you stop doing it and show how sorry you are.
It's always best to remain as anonymous as possible when there are ongoing court proceedings, if the username you've used here is traceable to you, I would urge you to get it changed to something unrecognisable.
Don't give specific details of your children or places, dates etc I'm going to edit your post and remove some of the information you've already given.
There's still a chance to get things moving forward, but this may have slowed it down a little.... as long as you haven't been abusive or threatening, it should be just a stern telling off.
Hi,
It really depends upon what your order says, for instance if it says that the father shall not say X,Y and Z and then equal a punishment which is usually costs then thats as far as it will go.
If I was you to cover you back go to your GP and get referred for stress which it sounds like you have - right?
Stress can lead you to do X,Y and Z and therefore your voice is social media as you find it hard speaking to people about this - right?
Cover your back before you go to court and you will be fine, additionally delete the comments on social media if you can which will show to the judge you took the views on board from the mother.
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