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hi all. can i ask if anyone has experienced this, where there are no safeguarding issues but, ex says they want you to see child in contact centre, just out of malice, to humiliate you, and try empty your pockets?
has this happened to anyone? what happens if court orders it, but you just ignore it as you can't afford to go?
Contact centres are supposed to be used if there has been no contact for a while, or if there are safeguarding concerns. They shouldn’t be used just at the request of the parent... that said, sometimes when you’ve got a weak judge or magistrates they might take the path of least resistance.
It’s never wise to ignore a court order, if contact in a centre is ordered but is unaffordable, a party should make the court aware that they can’t afford the cost and request that a trusted third party, such as a family member, supervises the contact.
If it was ordered and you found out later that the charges were beyond your means, you should write to the court to let them know and ask if it would be possible for an early return to court for new directions. If CAFCASS are still involved with the case, you could speak to them about any possible alternatives, but don’t hold your breath.
I agree, I can't see any reason why a court should order a contact centre to be used if there is no valid safeguarding reason for it.
i experienced this today at court. told i have an hour to see baby, but up to me where this takes place (recently took place at ex home for very short time, but they now refusing this). ex side saying can be in contact centre lol. theres no safeguarding issues so why should i, and go broke in the process.
Are there any dad's clubs in the area? That might be an alternative.
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