Welcome to the DAD.Info forum: Important Information – open to read:
Our forum aims to provide support and guidance where it can, however we may not always have the answer. The forum is not moderated 24 hours a day, so If you – or someone you know – are being harmed or in immediate danger of being harmed, call the police on 999.
Alternatively, if you are in crisis, please call Samaritans on 116 123.
If you are worried about you or someone you know is at risk of harm, please click here: How we can help
Hello,
My query relates to the family court for child arrangement, both parties live in England.
I arranged mediation and attended a MIAM and my ex-partner was provided with 2 weeks ability to make contact to arrange to go in.
She didn't attend and cited her reason to me being that she didn't have the money to do so. I am aware she has around £1000 in savings, has recently obtained a new car on PCP and her mother is retired and regularly provides funds to support her. She works in a well-paid, stable role where she earns around £2200-£2500 per month (I don't know the exact figure).
I paid shy of ~£150 I think from memory without looking at my bank statement. I used https://www.nfm.org.uk/ (National Family Mediation). Whom are also part of the family court voucher scheme which would have eased funds.
With my MIAM form I applied to the family courts and received a court date in the near future along with a CAFCASS meeting date prior to that.
My ex-partner has now reached out to a separate mediation company whom have written to me asking if I want to attend mediation. I feel this is a tactic of some kind to try and make her position look better.
My child is just over a year old, I am seeking 50/50 and can evidence significant involvement in my child's life up until recently when my ex has not stopped contact. I have the ability to change my work rota to a stable pattern that affords for 50/50. I'm currently back in my mothers home where I can provide a room for my child, safe home in a good area to grow up and my mum and sister whom also both work want to take an active role in being in my child's life. Amongst other factors I am in a reputable job that can demonstrate a very good standing in society. I have relentlessly tried to try every avenue before court which I can evidence, but my ex has refused to engage.
What are my options?
hi,
hopefully you can explain at court why mediation was waste of time and court can progress with case.
I think its unlikely they will give 50/50 due to to childs age. Think you should self represent, or looking at legal fees of £15,000+
@bill337 Why is a court unlikely to give 50/50?
I think you have two options and I list them below:
Welcome to the DAD.info forum.
We don’t like to set ‘rules’, but to make sure that you and the other dads are kept safe, we have some requests. When engaging with the forum, please be aware of the following:
- The forum is not moderated 24 hours per day.
- Many of the moderators do so on a voluntary basis. Whilst they may be able to provide some guidance, advice or support, they may not be able to deal with specifics.
- We are not an emergency crisis service so if you or someone else is in immediate danger, please call emergency services.
- If you are concerned about the safety of a child, please click here to find the support you can get for them (link to new page)
- If you are in crisis, please call Samaritans on 116 123. They are open 24 hours a day, 7 days per week.
We hope you find this forum a supportive environment and thank you for joining us.