Moving home with child

[Ireland7]

I find myself in a difficult situation:

I married an English man and we separated in 2017. We have a dd aged 10. I now want to move back to Galway for financial and familial reasons, and for a life near the sea for dd who adores the water. I have a lot of family and financial support there.

My ex is very difficult and has just issued a solicitor's letter to prevent me and daughter from visiting family in Galway this summer for a summer holiday. I am contesting this.

However, really I would like to start a full move to Ireland. Ex owns his house whilst we rent here. It is an expensive area here and I couldn't get a mortgage when we split.

What I need to know: is it is possible (via the court) to relocate for financial and emotional support reasons (i.e. I own land there so could establish a home and I have a large supportive family there)? Any guidance or information would be very gratefully received.

I would ensure that dd still had every other weekend and half the holidays with dad.

I am a freelance aromatherapist and candle maker and could set up business in Galway no problem.

[Andy85]

This is a very difficult situation! So difficult in fact that I believe that's why you've had no responses. The best person for advice would be a lawyer.
What a court would always say is to do what is best for your child. She is 10, I imagine she has a life, friends, has settled in to school etc.
As a single dad if my ex tried to take my boy to a different country to live I would be devastated and fight it with everything I have.
It may also be worth noting that travel from Ireland to England for your child every other weekend would be at your cost through child maintenance. Whatever child maintenance you receive from him would be reduced by that amount, making you financially worse off.
I completely understand though that you have moved away from your family and home to be with someone and it hasn't worked out and you probably feel quite alone and stuck there due to this situation. I dont know what else to tell you. See what a lawyer thinks.

[JustC]

I think if he is a good, involved dad, what you are doing is not really fair to him, and I get why he is trying to stop you. I also get why you are wanting to move, so it's really tricky. How is your child feeling about it?

[Ireland7]

Thanks for your input. I have contacted a lawyer and I'm waiting for an online meeting.