Background
Was Married - split during pregnancy
DD 18 months old, has never stayed overnight with anyone but mum (bf and cosleeping)
Dad usually spends 1 day every 10 days with her - has been very inconsistent at times
Dad works rotating shift pattern, 6 on, 4 off. He has submitted C100 as wants DD 2/4 of his days off. I’m reluctant for this because
- Childcare, DD goes to nursery 2 days per week (when I’m working - also shift work but have flexible working contact for 12months) - what happens? She doesn’t go and I still pay when contact falls on these days?
- DD suffers badly with separation anxiety, has taken a long time for her to be settled with nursery, I don’t want to disrupt this for her
- DD still very distressed with going to Dad, I don’t think she’ll cope with overnights. If I’ve tried to leave her overnight I have had to come back as she has been so distressed and won’t settle
- Dad has moved an hour away. So in theory, whilst this would be achievable now - when DD is at school, how is an hour commute for 4 year old acceptable midweek? Also, would mean he only has 1 full weekend in 10 weeks with her, then 2 weekends of 1 day.
Any advice whether court would be likely to approve an arrangement around these shifts given the circumstances? Or what I should be requesting?
thank you!