access agreements. verbal or written ?

[Gster]

I'm currently trying to agree with my ex access to my DD 2.

I am concerned ( with good reason ) that she will slide from any agreement and introduce obstacles to any agreed access. I.e. sign DD up for Saturday classes making it difficult during my weekends with DD as we live in different areas.

I've heard that I may need to make an application to the court for defined contact & a specific issue order.

But I'd like to keep things as civil as possible, was wondering if there is anything less confrontational. Less scary than a court document, more solid than a verbal agreement?

you can find examples of pareting plans on here
www.spig.clara.net/

you can decide if you want to write in legalese or in plain english but make sure you cover main topics and present it as "i think it would be best for xxx if agree some basics around contact...and write a four week plan etc

parenting plans

try going this route first -court will want to see that you tried to make arrangemetns yourselves

or you could try mediation first

As others say parenting plans but don't be afraid to go to court if contact becomes difficult. My dh tried for years and always had problems, eventually and reluctantly he went to court. It was very straight forward since ex didn't have concerns about dh's parenting but he did get a defined contact order which has worked. Recently with ex having a new partner it became difficult again (she always wants the latest b/f to take over the dad role) and he would not hesitate to go to court.

Just be aware however a court order can still be ignored, the best approach is when both parents co-operative to put the child's interests and rights ahead of their own. It can happen but not always