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My child was abducted 4 years ago. She planned it and maliciously instigated this with her friends
I never took any action against the child mother as I felt this would bring
even more pain and upheaval to our child and families.
I brought our child up from 0 to nearly 5
yrs old as she worked fulltime during the day and I worked nights .
The sole purpose for the abduction as far as I can see was for the mother to attain
housing and several benefits. As there was no problems and we were planning to move to a new home at the time.
When I found out where she went with our child, I remained calm and conducted myself with dignity.
She ordered me to look after our child when she was at work or nothing.
Since our child has started school I only have had access to my child weekends (so she attend her job)
Now she has applied for a court order to take 2 off my weekends away with my child
And I have to attend court in 3 weeks about this. I feel it's wrong!
Can someone help with advice about all the above?
Hi and welcome to the forum
I have moved your post to the Legal Eagle section where it will get more views and responses.
In terms of preparing for the court hearing, it's wise to write a short position statement, no longer than 2 to 3 pages, give a little bit of background, what decision you would like the court to make and why. Keep the statement child focused and try not to use any emotive words like 'abduction'.
Ultimately any decision will be at the discretion of the judge hearing your case.
Have a look through the stickies at the top of the Legal Eagle section where you will find advice and support for attending court.
Good luck
Hi there
Its unusual for a court to reduce contact that has been working well over a period of time, as long as there are no risk and the child is safe with you she will need to have good reasons to cut the contact you have.
As Yoda has said, just concentrate on your child and what is best for her. As the mother left without telling you 4 years ago, the court might see this as being a long time ago and not important as far as the case is concerned... Like Yoda I wouldn't advise that you call it abduction or malicious, but if you decide to write a brief position statement you could mention it to give the court some background.... You could write it something like this -
About 4 years ago I returned home to find xxxx had left the family home, taking xxxxx with her. She did this without my knowledge and it caused my daughter, myself and her wider family much distress. I was her primary carer up until this happened, as xxxx worked during the day and I worked nights.
Try not to make allegations or speak badly of the mother as the court don't like to hear this. If you remain child focused and talk only about how close your daughter is to you and how such a big change to her routine and contact with you will have a negative impact on her.
I very much doubt it will be sorted out at the first hearing, the court may want to have a report done to help them decide.
Here's a link to a some helpful information about how to write a position statement
http://www.thecustodyminefield.com/flapp/positionstatements.html
Best of luck.
Thank you for this information. This will help me alot.
I appreciate your assistance with this difficult matter. Thank you.
The web link you supplied is also helpful. I have read it forensically and will prepare a statment over the next 2 days.
If there anymore questions. I will ask for more advice.
Thanks
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