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Having a few issues with my ex wife. Basically we have a family based arrangement and she wants more money. I have asked for more access to my 12 year old child and I will then consider more money and don't think i'm being unreasonable. My son comes to my house every 2nd weekend staying only one night. I want him longer i.e. at least from the Friday night. What is the best advice anyone can give me?
She is threatening to go to the CSA which she did 9 years ago anyway before we settled on the family based arrangement. If she does she knows by letting me have my son for more time she will get less money but that is all she cares about?
Have you done a calculation of how much the CSA would expect you to pay if the claim was arranged through them?
Unfortunately the way the maintenance rules are set out discourages resident parents from agreeing more time. The only thing I can suggest is mediation to try and reach agreement, this is compulsory before any court application can be made.
If mediation fails then the mediator would be able to sign off the forms to enable an application to court for a Child Arrangements Order for contact. As your son is twelve his wishes and feelings would carry a lot of weight.
Here's a link to the mediation service
www.nfm.org.uk
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