Looking for some legal advice if possible. My child is 8 months old and baby’s father has only visited 4 times in 8 months. All visits were under 4 hours long. I’d like to make it clear that I have never tried to stop him seeing baby, all I’ve stated is that I have to be present with the visits as baby doesn’t know who he is (he hasn’t spent enough time with baby for that to happen), and he’s never exampled parenting skills to me.
A few months ago we had arranged to meet in 5 weeks time. The day before the visit he messaged me saying he was going to be running an hour late, which was fine, but I told him that would obviously cause him to have less time with baby. The day of the visit arrives, I showed up at the destination and he ended up running 30 mins late.
I asked him why he was running late, he blamed the traffic. I pointed out that he should manage his time better as he’s known for 5 weeks he was seeing baby on this date. I clearly hit a nerve as he got very defensive, shouting it’s nothing to do with me etc.. I ended up walking away and going back home.
As soon as I arrived home I knew I didn’t like how things had went so I called him, no answer. Later that night I sent him a message saying that things got out of hand, we needed to communicate better for the sake of baby and that this doesn’t need to get messy or legal as that’s not fair dragging the baby through that! That was 4 weeks ago and he still hasn't replied. I’m very nervous and fearful about what’s to come. He 100% won’t let things go. He doesn’t think of baby he thinks of his own emotions and feeling. If he thought about baby he would of contacted me back. I sometimes feel he does things to get back at me as I was the one who ended the relationship between us.
Anyway, what could he legally do? He isn’t on the birth certificate but I am aware he can get his name added. He has never been with baby for any longer than 4 hours, not to mention I have been there at the visits too. Baby cries when in his arms as he is essentially a stranger. He is a compulsive liar, can’t take any responsibility for his actions (hence us breaking up). I text him after that last visit stating I didn’t want it to get messy or go down the court route for the sake of our child, he hasn't replied.. surely he has to try and work things out with me before taking it legal? I am happy to work things out as I'm aware of it goes down the court route it will be a messy horrible time for both me and baby.
Sorry for the long post. Hope someone can shine a light for me. And yes, I am aware I should probably just contact a lawyer.