to suspect he has something to gain from overnight contact

[Dionysuss]

SiL ( my DHs sister ), and her ex broke up a few years ago. Contact between ex and their dd has been irregular and often months pass without hearing from him. Recently his been asking to have her overnight. sil said no so he stopped seeing dd at all. SiL was willing to build up to overnights after regular contact.

He organised a mediation session. All he kept asking was when she could stay overnight. He had to reluctantly agree to a few afternoons for the next couple of months then review.

Aibu to suspect his after extra housing points, dd has special needs, or is trying to claim more benefits of pay less maintainance as a result of overnight stays?

Sounds like it to me. Or he is just trying to mess with everyone's heads.

He was apparently surprised the mediator didn't immediately grant him overnight visits whenever he wanted them. I think it backfired on him. I don't think he will stick with the arrangement they've set up. First day yesterday and his new gf dropped dd home

Overnights do progressively lessen the amount of maintenance he will have to pay.

Your SIL is right tho, contact should be gently eased in so it becomes a norm for the child. DC is not an object to be picked up or forgotten as the parent sees fit.

I suspect that if he has a new gf then he is wanting her to view him as a good dad. That and trying for a drop in mainainance.

I think your right pandora, there's been a few 'why won't you let me see my child' texts that have made us laugh.