Rights for Non-Residential Fathers

[Oakmaiden]

Hi there. I was hoping that someone would be able to advise here. I have a friend whose long-term girlfriend recently left him and took their daughter with her. He understandably misses their daughter greatly - and finds that his ex is not being very helpful at letting him visit their daughter.

He doesn't want to do anything that will upset his ex - he feels that it was his fault mostly and that to an extent his daughter is better off being raised without him. But at the same time he does want some sort of involvement in her life (at the moment I don't think he even has parental resonsibilty).

So, the question I wanted to ask was - I recall that there has been mentioned on Mumsnet in the past a support groupn for this sort of issue. Does anyone know a web address I could forward to my friend?

Thanks.

Is it Families Need Fathers , Oaky?

I saw ont he news that they are protestong across Clifton Suspension brideg!

Good for them

here

Message withdrawn

I don't know how old his daughter is, but women who don't want their partners to see their children can do pretty much anythign they want without fear of any legal retribution. His best bet is to try to win the cooperation of his ex. If that really doesn't work, he can go to court and get PR and contact time. Some people feel obliged to stick by what a court says, some don't. I think he should really put any pride aside here and basically do anything his ex wants in order to see his daughter.

I think the men on the gantries are from Fathers 4 Justice...I'd definitely start with Fathers Direct , Tom's website.

Maybe I can help clarify.

There are loads of organisations in this field, but the three main ones are:

Fathers-4-Justice - This is the direct action campaign group calling for reform of Family Law. They are the ones responsible for the bridge demos, Father Christmases etc.

Families need Fathers - This is a support group for non-resident fathers (and mothers). They have local groups, support parents going through separation and also campaign for legal reform (using more formal methods of lobbying)

Fathers Direct - This is an information, training and advocacy organisation working for shared parenting between men and women, and working to reform maternity, health visiting, education, health, social services, early years, prisons, mental health, youth and other public and voluntary services to make them more accessible to fathers.

Hope that makes sense.