Should I ask for a variation on our court order

[gracehedley]

Myself and ex husband have a child arrangements order, only been in place since October 2014, stating our son lives 50:50 with each of us. He has to spend 5 nights with me, 3 with Dad, 2 with me, 4 with Dad, in that order over a fortnight, all year round. I want to take son away for 2 separate weeks in the summer holidays but ex h wants to stick to the pattern above which means we can't go. Ex h also unwilling to take turns over christmas eve/christmas day - he has spent last 2 xmas eves/days with son and wants same again this year. Is it worth me applying for a variation on the order so we can spend longer blocks of time with our son so we can go on holiday, and take turns at Christmas - would that be considered reasonable? Also is this a costly thing to do? I envisage representing myself. Obviously I would rather come to an agreement informally with ex, but he is not interested in this. Thanks for advice.

[Collaborate]

What you want is sensible. Worth going back to court but try mediation first.

[gracehedley]

thank you Collaborate. Is it mandatory to try mediation before you ask for a variation on an existing order?

[Collaborate]

Yes. It's also sensible.

[HeadDoctor]

I believe the court application form outlines the circumstances that would mean mediation was not required.