Last week, at the final hearing, my ex was advised to accept my offer of 2 x 6 hour daytime contacts with our 3 year old. He initially agreed, but minutes later, my barrister informed me he had 'thrown his toys out of the pram and withdrawn his application for contact/joint residence. (The magistrate, Clerk and my barrister all challenged his refusal to comply with the drug/alcohol hair strand tests ordered at the previous hearing - he does NOT like to be 'told off')
I was granted a residence order and agreed that I would honour the offer of 2 x 6 hour contacts. The relief was indescribable. I had been so worried and believe that he may have got overnight contact if he had seen it through. (My solicitor thought it unlikely, but my barrister seemed less optimistic).
I gave him a few days to calm down/lick his wounds then sent him a message re Sunday. He thanked me and the contact went ahead.
He then texted me last night saying he could not see J today, as agreed, as he has an appointment with a 'better solicitor'.
I am terrified now, that after 16 months, 5 hearings and having sold everything I could get my hands on to pay my LSC contributions, it is STILL not over. Life has been 'on hold'; all that kept me going was the thought that, as of this week, we could 'resume' living.
Does anyone have any experience of this - presumably the fact that he withdrew, rather than the court ordering in my favour will help him? He gets full Legal Aid, btw. Will the new rules affect our case? I assumed both LegaL Aid certificates would have expired. Is such a reapplication/appeal likely to be heard/succeed in changing last week's decisions?
Thanx in advance for any advice/experiences.