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hi guys I'm new to the forum,
a couple of months ago I separated from my wife been with her 10 years married 5. we have 2 little boys 6&3 years old. everything seemed to be going well upon the separation, however it soon turned ugly when I told my ex that I wanted to keep the boys overnight... an argument started, she then attacked me and I reported it to the police but did not press charges.
the next time I tried to see the boys I was told that I wasn't allowed and that she had contacted a solicitor and until I heard from him there would be no contact. the kids had been asking and asking to see me so she contacted me to tell me I could see the boys but only upon her supervision, I declined as I felt there was no need for her to be present as I didn't want any arguments/attacks again in front of the kids... so we agreed to a contact centre where I see the boys under neutral supervision for 2 hours every Saturday.
I feel this is unfair as I have done nothing wrong, and I'm confused as to why she holds the power to stop me seeing them...
is there anything I can do???????
please help... thanks Kenny
Hi there
Your first step is to attempt mediation, once you have spoken to the mediator he will contact your ex and ask her to attend, if she refuses or mediation fails, the mediator will sign off the C100 form to enable you to make a court application for a Child Arrangements Order.
I would advise you carry on with the contact centre visits, hopefully mediation will help you get back on track, but if not and it goes to court, the fact that you have already used a contact centre should see the court progress your contact with your children, moving contact out of the centre.
The court will seek safeguarding assessments, but as long as the court are assured that there's no risk to the children, they will want to get contact back to normal...your children are old enough for the court to agree to overnight contact too, and it's all about the rights of the children to have both parents involved in their lives.
As there was an incident and you were the subject of an attack from your ex, it might be worth reminding her that if she won't agree to get things back to normal and it goes to court, the court will be informed of the attack on you. She might just have a rethink and agree to mediation to sort things out.
Best of luck
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