Especially if you're approaching final hearing.
A thread to post your thoughts and feelings and say as much or as little about your situation (without being in contempt of court)
It's a really arduous slog and I know I have benefitted from reading threads from others in similar situations and receiving advice and support.
I'll start. Been in the family court for well over 5 years now. DD is 7.
Her father is a domestic abuser. Multiple police arrests. Domestic history with other partners and abusive towards DD.
DD saw him for a long time under supervision and it was largely positive. The court progressed to unsupervised then overnights and that's where it's all fallen apart. Everyone believed DD would love the nights but she struggles so much and has expressed that she doesn't want to stay over.
Overnights broke down and we are back in court soon. Cafcass blame me for everything despite the fact DD has been extremely vocal to them about her thoughts and feelings. As we approach final hearing I think overnights will resumed and I'm scared that I'll have to force her to go. She's told school she doesn't want to see him and doesn't want him to come to school. I have no idea what will happen.
I'm anxious about the level of contact he wants he either wants full residence or shared care, both of which are completely disproportionate to the involvement he's had in her life. He's abusive towards her in contact from what she's told me but nobody listens to or believes me so I feel helpless to help her.
I'm anxious about the difficulties that I'll experience with his counter parenting as let's face it you can't coparent with a person like that. I'm anxious about him potentially coming to school and performance parenting. I'm anxious that he'll not bother to take DD to her activities or parties as he hasn't bothered at all.
I guess I just feel sad it's come to this.
What I am looking forwards to is closure and the end of proceedings so I can finally move on. It's been contentious litigation for years now and I just feel defeated and will just accept whatever is ordered. I have no more fight left in me and feel between Cafcass supporting him and blaming me I don't stand a chance.
Feel better writing it down and hope this thread can offer comfort and support to others in similar situations.