My DH has been trying over several years to get a reasonable contact pattern for his children and 3 weeks ago had a final hearing where the judge ordered everything he'd asked for. Last weekend was the first time in several months where he and the children had contact for a full weekend and is the start of a decent pattern of ongoing contact. They spent a day outdoors doing an activity they all enjoy and the next day met up with a family member the children haven't seen for a year due to the contact problems.
DH used a solicitor and a barrister at times over the last 2 years but money is tight and we couldn't always afford it so he did as much as he could himself. As a result I've posted on the legal board quite a few times over the last couple of years under different names to protect our anonymity. I particularly posted at times when DH was losing his nerve such as when his ex was threatening to stop all contact with the children if he pursued the matter through solicitors.
We've obviously been able to thank in person the people who helped him in real life. (Though we wish we could have thanked her solicitor. We're quite sure she managed to attenuate some of the dispute and helped resolve the matter as amicably and quickly as was possible given her client and despite the fact it went to a final contested hearing!).
However, we also wanted to say thanks very much for your advice which several times helped DH work out what to do or kept him on the right track. DH and I are very grateful.
