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

Hello, please do not be worried or afraid. Seek legal advice. He is an alcoholic who has previously put you and your son in danger. I would not allow him to have my child unsupervised!
I do not have much advice but would urge you to make an appointment to see a solicitor.

If you feel unsafe or threatened by him do not hesitate to call the police immediately

He has no right to any particular level of contact. That isn't how it works. He can take you to court and ask for that but it is very unlikely he would get it with a child this young.

Contact is about the rights of and benefit to the child. Not either parent. So if the father has a recorded history of alcoholism and abusive behaviour, no, he does not get his 10 month old breastfed baby half the week. Do not listen to his threats. He would have to get a family court to approve. Which wouldn't happen.

If he scares you, call the police. Every time.

The best interests of the child trumps parental rights at every stage. If he is still breastfeeding his best interest is being with you. Perhaps when he is older a court may find half-half reasonable (if he has gotten better only) but not at this stage.