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I have a contact order in respect of my 2 children. Their mother has a residence order.
My father has recently died and my mother has expressed how lonely she is and that she would like the chance to have my children overnight every now and again. She used to do this a few years ago before my marriage ended and the children are keen to go.
If I allow her to do this during my contact times is that allowed? Is my ex likely or able to raise issue with this?
Or is it up to me as it is during my contact times?
There are no safeguarding issues and no stipulations in the contact order regarding grandparents etc.
If it's in your contact time you can do as you wish. If your ex wants to make things difficult for you and sees it as a weakness then it could be used against you. Kids will no doubt talk about it to Mum so best bet would be to be open with her about it at some point.
If it's done with good affirmation and intention then the rest is up to you how it plays out.
Hope it goes well!
Just to add that the children spend EVERY Friday night with her parents , the maternal grandparents.
Hello NothingElseMatters,
If you have a Court Order which stipulates dates and times when you are to have the children, you can do as you please during those periods. Obviously there must be no safeguarding and / or welfare issues that put the children at risk. In the absence of these concerns you can take the children where you think fit and with whom you choose.
You do not have to inform their mother if they stay with their grandmother but I think the children will automatically tell her. Having said that, one would hope she accepts it without question, on the other hand she may not. If the mother challenges you, stay calm and talk with her amicably about the decision you made. Whatever you do, do not allow yourself to become involved in arguing with her, simply say "I'm sorry you do not agree with my decision" and then politely walk away.
Only you know what the mother's likely reaction is going to be but if you stick strictly to the Court Order, behave impeccably towards her, you will then avoid giving her any ammunition to cause any upset.
I do not know how old your children are but do not involve them in any concerns you may have. They need to be children, free of any adult concerns and ill feeling there could possibly be.
I hope grandmother and the children have a lovely time together.
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