just after some advice really as I'm feeling really stressed. My partner and his mum have always had a strained relationship and have had fall outs since I've known him.
we have 2 children together (3 and 1) and she used to see our first child once a week and spend the afternoon with them. unfortunately there has been an epic betrayal of trust and huge fallout which happened at the start of the year and my partner decided he no longer wanted her in his life and I backed him up after careful consideration.
As a result of this she no longer sees our children. My partner suggested mediation with a neutral family member - this was refused and professional mediation suggested instead. we couldn't afford this and to be honest we have had a lot of other things going on this year and time has gone by so she has now applied for access through the court and our hearing is soon.
my problem is I am totally stuck in the middle. I don't like what she's done and I don't think she can be trusted long term, she's caused a huge rift in the family and my partner is being made out to be the bad guy for simply acting in the best interests of his siblings in a separate matter. he's unbelievably stressed by this and I don't think their relationship will ever heal. I'm torn between thinking my children may have some benefit to having a grandparent nearby, but then I remember what she's done and doing, and things that have happened in the past and think we are doing the right thing. I don't know whether I want my children exposed to some of her behaviours which are long standing.
so first question is does anyone have any advice as to what happens in the court process and will she have any success? second question is if I say I don't agree with my partners sentiment 100% then will the court jump on this, Grant visitation rights (which will then cause a fallout between me and my partner).
I have already had a call from cafcass where I think I may have sounded unsure of whether this was the right thing we are doing. i just don't know what to do.