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My ex and I have an 8 year old son together. We split in 2010 just before his 1st birthday. Since then contact has been changed more times than I care to remember. We ended up in court in 2013 where a consent order regarding contact was made. In 2014 I damaged my spine (now permanent damage to the nerves) so I was unable to travel by train (Set in the order) from Telford to Wolverhampton. My ex agreed to meet me half way while my back was out of action, I agreed to take our son back home at the end of contact. The distance involved is still painful by car, takes me around 2-3 days to recover. A few weeks ago, I said something via text she took offence to, and says from now on I am to collect our son from either hers, or her mothers (5 mins from hers) So from Telford, to Wolves then back, and same again at the end of contact is impossible for me to do, there is no one who can go for me, she knows I cannot do this yet is refusing to meet me half way saying it's not her problem... using my disability against me. Even tells me to get a taxi! Due to my disability, I am unable to work, so solicitor/court is out of the question as I cannot afford it. She refuses to budge and insists I should make the effort, and been advised by her solicitor that as long as our son is made available, that's all she has to do.
Also... She has taken our son on holiday at least twice in recent years during term time and without my consent refusing to tell me how he is, blocking my number saying she doesnt want any further contact and I'm not allowed to talk to him by phone. So far I have not seen my son in 7 weeks... The longest I've gone without seeing him is 12 weeks a few years ago.
Hi there
You could take it back to court on a specific issue order or variation of the existing order and self represent, it wouldnt cost anything as you don’t work and would be entitled to an exemption from the court cost.
You could try mediation, you would also qualify for legal aid to cover the cost.
You could try and sort out some telephone contact at mediation too.
I recall linking you to a template to deal with the school, did you follow up with that? If not it might be a good idea to,get that sorted, that way you can ask them to communicate with you concerning taking time off during term time.
All the best
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