Hi all,
I ham new to Mumsnet so please be patient with me. It's taken me a good 10 mins to find out how to start this thread... Not even sure I've done it right...
I need advice if anyone can help.
I separated from my 3 boys' dad in 2002. Contact was a bit tricky for my boys as Daddy didn't always show up.
In 2005, I got a letter from ex's solicitor to say that: IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE CHILDREN, HE WISHED TO CEASE ALL CONTACT WITH THEM...
Yes, you read this right... It has been a tough few years, 17 years, single working mum. No family support.
All my children have obviously been affected by the rejection and abandonment of their Dad. My oldest had a very dark childhood and has as a result been talking to psychiatrists since age 8. He has had over the years, sleep, behaviour, anger, alcohol issues. At middle school, he was described as an angry child. From 8 years old, he felt he had to take on the role of the man of the family... He remembers everything his dad did to us so it has been particularly difficult and disturbing for him.
Middle Son struggled with anger management, followed by drug abuse.
My youngest does not know what it is like to have a dad as he was only a toddler when his did decided he didn't want contact with him and his brothers. Bless him, every Father's day, I got a card from him and I still do now that he is 19 years old.
I am not after sympathy, I chose to put my life on hold to concentrate on bringing up my boys and I think I have done my best. My two oldest are now succesfully running their own buisnesses and my youngest is at Uni, training to be a doctor. I also now have a gorgeous grandson.
I work with children with tricky backgrounds and special needs and I enjoy it.
Anyway, I was wondering if there was any Law savvy person out there who could advise on whether I have a case with my ex for abandonment or breach of contact order? He was supposed to have them every other w/e + half school holidays. This not happening has caused me and my boys so much hardship and I never got a break or time to myself, ever..
Any advice very welcome.
Many thanks