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My ex has now decided that after 3 long years of separation that I can no longer have my children Monday to Thursday as her partner does not want me to drop off the kids to him. My ex will now be going back to work after having time off on maternity, and normally I drop the kids to her, but now will be dropping the kids off to her partner.
They live together and are not married.
I have always had access to my kids from day 1, and see them 2/3 times a week and they stay over 1/2 nights a week, and have paid maintanance too. It has been this way since we ended our relationship. We have not been through courts or anything, just talked about it.
I believe her partner is just being difficult, no idea why after all this time.
My question is can my ex wife's partner stop me from picking my kids up from their house?
Unfortunately your ex can stop you seeing your kids at any time she wants even though the driving force behind that decision seems to be her new partner. The only way that you can do anything about this legally is to first attend mediation and secondly to apply through the courts.
I think that as you've been resolving things amicably for three years that you might be able to talk sensibly to either of them first - surely there are other times you can pick up the kids when he's not around? Maybe you could ask why he's suddenly being so difficult? Whilst he can't stop you physically coming to collect your kids, if you attempt to after being told you can't there could be an affray or even just an unpleasant situation which could upset the little ones. I seriously suggest trying to talk to them first, making an appointment with your local mediation service and if that fails to go to court.
I agree, the fact is, it's your children that will suffer from this change, having their time with you reduced isn't right, nor is it in their best interests. Children need a routine and to disrupt this after so long can only have a negative impact on them. Your ex must find a way to allow the same level of contact to continue, with as little disruption to the children as possible.
Is there a family member, or other trusted third party that you could drop them off with? Or could you adjust the drop off time, so that shes home when you drop off?
It's best to try and negotiate between yourselves, but as the previous posters points out, if that won't work, it would be mediation and then court.
All the best
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