Frightened about husband's contact threats

[Missboo1]

Hi all

A fortnight ago I had to leave my husband after yet another incident where he has got drunk and been verbally abusive and put me and my 10 month old son in danger.

He's since identified as an alcoholic and has joined AA. There have been numerous incidents with him having drunken outbursts and I had to ring the police to get him removed from the house before Christmas.

In the last fortnight I have taken my son to see him for four days. My husband is obviously very upset and angry but was initially accepting of me leaving and him not seeing our son daily. Tonight he has said over the phone that it is his right as a father to have his son half the week....my son has never been away from me for more than a few hours and is still breastfed.
I don't think my husband could look after him alone.

Does he have a right to 50/50 contact if I've had to leave because of his alcoholism?

I think I need legal advise but am scared of what they'll say and being separated from my son

Get this moved to legal, but no, your husband does not have any rights. Your child has rights - to a safe and fulfilling relationship with both parents. Your husband (and you) have a responsibility to act in the best interests of your child.

Essentially no court in the land is going to order 50/50 care of a breast fed baby with an alcoholic father. See a solicitor. Contact should be regular, but supervised until you/court can be certain he is safe.

Fathers and mothers don't have rights when it comes to custody.

It's the best interests of the child that are considered.

50/50 care with someone who has just admitted to being a violent alcoholic is not in the best interests of the child.

Plus you are breast feeding.

He can't have your so. Half the week. How will he feed him.