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Hi Guys, thanks for the help and advice I have gleaned from here over the past 18 months.
I was awarded contact with my 2 children back in February and I have been seeing them every other Saturday for 2 hours progressing to 3 hours at the last session. We have 2 more sessions of 3 hours and then the judge would like us to go back to court for a review hearing.
I already know that the ex will be resistant to me having more time or over night stays as she has put obstacles in the way at every opportunity since we split up.
I of course will be requseting more time the bare minimum and also want to discuss holidays, christmas and birthdays etc. Is there an accepted norm?
Also I have been diarising all contact sessions and communication with the ex just in case she tries anything in court like making out the sessions are going badly and the kids aren't enjoying it, what do I need to do with this? Do I submit it to court prior to the hearing?
Anyy advice on review hearings welcomed!!
Hi there
Although there are no steadfast rules concerning contact times and theres lots of variation, there does seem to be a basic formula, which is a full weekend every fortnight and a weekly midweek for tea, or an overnight. As far as holidays, in the summer, you could ask for anything from a 50/50 share to a week depending on your work commitments. Alternate Christmas and birthdays is often granted and extra time at Easter....some even get Father's Day every year.
As far as filing your record of the sessions, you should write to the court and ask for permission to file them, this is procedure but they are usually quite quick in responding. Just say you have diarised the contact sessions and feel it would be helpful to the court at the review hearing if this was made available to them. Include your case number and and date of next hearing.
Thanks for the informative reply
In respect to contact, the judge intimated at the final hearing that at review he would be looking to increase time to a full day with a view to overnight stays in the near future. As things have been quite complicated and difficult I see this as about the best I can hope for.
In terms of filing the information relating to contact sessions do I have to supply my ex with a copy in advance of the hearing?
Also to whom should I address the letter seeking permission from the court? We have the same judge that we have had throughout.
Thanks again
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