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hi dads,
i was in court earlier this year. thought it would be my last, but now have to return because of my crazy ex. I am being blocked from spending more time with my baby daughter. see her 2 hours a month as per my order. in recitals we both agreed on more time for me to see daughter after she turns 1. ex has now back-tracked and playing games. has no interest in giving me extra time to see kids.
i can not afford to hire a barrister again so am going alone this time. can the dads on here who have self-represented, please advise me on how to present myself in court? do i need to raise my hand first to speak to judge? do i address them in a way, like your honour?
also i would appreciate any suggestions for extending days I see my kids? I see 2 older kids every other weekend. school pick up friday - sunday 5pm. 1 mid-week every other weekend. school pick up - 7pm. i live 30 mins away. work is 30 mins away.
is shared care 50/50 out of the question?
thanks.
Hi in terms of how you greet the bench etc . Stand up when they walk in the room just to be safe . It’s more informal than you think in family court but I’d just ask before you start speaking how should I address the bench and they’ll tell you . When you want to say something just raise your hand . They’re used to people representing themselves . The court practically spoon fed my ex .
I’d ask for the recitals to be made into an order so they can be enforced . Shared care depends a lot on if it’s practical re your work , kids schools etc
hi city dad,
thanks for tips. hopefully i have a strong case. i am going in saying i am only being allowed to see my baby daughter for 2 hours a month.
do you have some idea of what 50/50 would look like on paper, in terms of nights, school runs?
thanks.
Hey no problems . How old is your kid ? Not sure how it works if they’re very young but if for example they’re babies and breast feeding etc you’ll struggle . Depending on their age , can you do the school run etc etc those sort of things the court takes into account . Mine are older and I live 90 min away so no chance of anything beyond weekends and. School
Hols
2 hours a month is horrific . I can’t see any court not giving you weekends .. or If the little is tiny maybe overnights may be problematic .. again depends on a few factors hey
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