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Looking for a little advice - based in Scotland and judge (or sheriff) wants speak to my child directly before making an order as child is 13. Child is terrified of mum and mum manipulates child. I've seen this in action, child desperately wants more time with me but has realised the craziness of their mum and would rather just say "I want things to stay the same" for fear of upsetting their mum. Ex is wanting me to have next to nothing and wants me to have no holidays with child (even though I've taken child abroad before). Anyone got experience of how seriously judges take children's account into consideration? I'm just worried that they won't dig deep enough - when my child is questioned or challenged slightly, they will eventually allude to being scared of their mum and would rather not see me more so mum doesn't give them grief all week. Please note - I have proof of how manipulative my ex can be to me and my child in forms of texts and emails.
Generally, at age 13 your sons wishes and feelings should carry weight. Perhaps you or better still, your son, could ask The judge to speak in private, hopefully the judge would allow it to go ahead in his chambers.
Would your son feel more comfortable writing it down, he could prepare a letter to give to the judge to explain his anxiety and also request a private discussion.
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