Relocating

[Lynseydee76]

I am looking to move back to where I was born with my son but my ex is trying to put a stop to it. We have the final hearing next week and I have been asked if I want to ask the witnesses any questions. The thing is I don’t know what questions I should be asking. I know some questions could already be asked by other parties but as I’m representing myself I’m not sure what questions I would be expected to ask. Has anyone been through this experience? Thanks

Can I suggest you ask Mumsnet to move this to legal? You'll prob get more responses there

You need to be able to answer/ask questions/ be clear as why it would be in your sons best interests to move back to where you are from. It will all be looked at from what is best for your son not you where they will look at how involved the NRP is in the child's life and ensuring that relationship can carry on etc. I understand it may make your life easier - child care, work opportunities, support network etc but the courts will only be acting in the childs best interest so this is what you must show if it is.

You need to be demonstrating why this is in your child's best interests.
Eg family support, involvement with cousins.
Why wouldn't moving disrupt schooling? Covid could harm or benefit you hear!
How will you maintain contact with the father?

Just to understand, how far away is the move? How much contact does he have? Will you be able to use family for childcare instead? Have a job there? Larger home? Safer regards crime? Better rated school? Does your child have special needs? If so is he awaiting assessment? How involved is the father with education of your child? Has he always been reliable regards your child? Has your child been bullied at school?

Please consider how much access you expect your ex to want and how things like activities and hobbies will work as your child gets older. I relocated for very good reasons and would still do it but I'll not deny is really bloody inconvenient and expensive to travel 200 odd miles twice a month and the kids have missed out on things as a result.

Thanks for everyone’s replies. It’s been agreed that I will base any questions I want to ask on questions the professionals haven’t asked and will be shed if I’ve got anything to add. I’ve gone through his statement to clarify anything I may get asked to help prepare me. Carcass’s report is very positive so hopefully it’ll just be a case of tying up the loose ends.