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Up until two months ago I was having regular contact with my son, but since the call from CSA my contact with my son has stopped. It as not been my choice or decision to stop contact it was just something his mother decided upon. Making excuse after excuse that because I worked shifts that I was not doing enough to be around my son. Now on my days off I would always have my son who frequently stayed with me overnight for two or more days depending on how my shifts worked. She also tried and is still trying to put blame on me for his behaviour, knowing full well that she has moved her new partner into her house without properly introducing him and the time she spends with my son isn't as much as she should be doing. Now I am at a point where taking it through court is not an option I can go for as I would not be able to afford the legal costs right now. I am at my wits ends because I miss my son dearly. I try every day to contact him but I get the phone put down on me and so I have not had the chance to even talk to him. What can I do in this matter?
Hi, sorry to hear this.
In the first instance you can write to the mother asking her to reinstate contact.
If you are not able to agree the only choice is mediation and if that doesn't work, an application to court.
Legal Aid is still available for mediation but not for court although if you're on a low income you may qualify for an exemption in the £215 fee. Court doesn't have to cost the earth, plenty of Dads on here self rep and the courts are used to dealing with parties unrepresented. There's lots of info at the top of the Legal Eagle section on this process, feel free to have a look round and ask any questions you would like.
Good luck
Hi there and welcome
Some good advice there from Yoda, I would start the ball rolling asap... This isn't about you or your ex, your child has the right to have you both in his life regardless of what is going on between you and using the child as a weapon in this way is not right. If you decide to write to her, perhaps you should point out that your son will be missing you and it is not in his best interests to suddenly stop contact in this way as it will only cause him unecessary distress.
It strikes me as suspicious that denial of contact started when the CSA became involved, for every night a child stays overnight with the non resident each week, a reduction of 1/7th is made to the amount of maintenance paid, by reducing your overnights with your child she is maximising the amount she can receive...I might be being unfair to her and it may just be a coincidence......hmmm,.
Best of luck
Hi
I'm sorry for you not seeing your son. Please hope for the best outcome in this. There is a lot of pressure of single parents but also a lot of support. http://www.fnf.org.uk/help-and-support-2/local-branch-meetings families need father's just a thought. I'm here if you just want to chat good luck battling the skewed UK legal system
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