Hi all, I have recently separated from my partner and have a four month old. I am studying a degree at university and in the last few months of finishing. Ex Partner currently sees DD 2 x nights a week and the weekend at my home. He has requested overnight access but I have said no for several safety reasons as his stepson who he has 50% custody of is going through CAMHs as he is biting other children and we think he has aspbergers, and my ex regularly smokes and grows cannabis at his home. when I met My ex I told him I was planning to move after my degree was finished as I hate the place I live for a number of reasons, and want to move to wales where I have family and can continue to study a masters degree. My ex was all for this and when I became pregnant I again expressed my wish to move, a wish that burns even brighter now I have a little one to think about. I want to be able to take her to the beach after school and for her to grow up surrounded by nature with the opportunity to go to a good school. It would mean moving 2 hours away from dad. He was all for it and initially said he would commute to wales and carry on 50% custody of his son. We have not lived together for a long time. Now we have broke up he has become quite cagey about me going. I realise it is better to have his consent and I have suggested ways in which he could have contact, ie he could stay with me, I could bring DD to him or meet him halfway. He has become quite cagey saying he needs to see a solicitor and will see one soon in the next few weeks but I feel he appears to be dragging it out. Can he do that and then stop me in the eleventh hour? He is listed on birth certificate.
I would rather go to mediation as I know court is lengthy and costly, what do people think of my chance of success? How easy is it to work win a relocation case? Has anyone represented themselves? And what is relocation classed as? Or how far can I move before it becomes relocation? I very much want him to be a part of the child's life but feel it is in her best interests to live with me in wales the majority of the time. any advise appreciated. Thanks