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Hello there,
I have recently joined the site as am after some advice.
My ex separated from me 6 months ago after 8 years together. When we first split we agreed what would be best for our 5 year old son and came to an arrangement with regards to when I see him. We also agreed that any issues regarding his well being etc would be discussed together.
However, since we have split there has been three separate occasions where my ex has made decisions without consulting me. The latest being she has decided to take him away for a few days when I was due to be having him. I do not have an issue with her taking him away however it means that I do not get to see him for two weeks.
I have been looking into applying for joint custody and am not sure if by doing this it will legally stop her from making informed decisions without consulting me first.
Any advice is appreciated and could really do with some help.
Thanks,
Paul
Hi there
The first step is mediation, which is required before a court application can be made. Here's a link to the mediation service
www.nfm.org.uk
You would attend and discuss the issues with the mediator who would then invite your ex to attend, if she refuses or ignores the request, or mediation fails the mediator will sign off the form to enable you to apply for a Child Arrangements Order and you can specify on the form that you would like a shared care arrangement, where your child lives with both of you. This doesn't mean that there will be a 50/50 sharing of time with your child though, but you could ask for that.
It might be useful for you to attend a Families Need Fathers meeting in your area, here's a link to their website where you will find a list of meetings nationally
www.fnf.org.uk/help-and-support-2/local-branch-meetings
There are lots of stickys about the process at the top of the legal eagle section , where you will find lots of useful info and if you have any questions you only have to ask.
All the best
Thanks for this I will certainly look into it.
Cheers,
PJ
Also, do you have any advice on how to prepare for mediation. My ex is of the un-dead and I know she will look for everything in order to make sure she gets her own way!! π
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