Children alone on 2.5hr taxi trip

[user1467634265]

I would value your thoughts on the following situation ...

3 lively boys (5,9,11). Mother and father live 100 miles apart after M moved away with the children. Children have alternate weekends with F. M has to get children to F after school on a Friday and F has to return them on a Sunday night.

M is proposing to use a DBS cleared taxi driver to do the 2.5 - 3.5 hour journey and will NOT be accompanying the children on the trip. The driver comes recommended as someone who does school runs for a local school. Driver has done one trip with M accompanying the children.

F has concerns about the arrangement.

Thoughts gratefully received 🙂.

@TitianaTitsling, divorce causes upheaval, usually only once however. Finances are often the most important factor post divorce so it is very understandable that the mum has moved so she can be RP with most of the caring responsibilities for 3 dc and financially support the DC.

Given the Dad didn't object to the move or a court decided it was reasonable for mum to move or the father was not awarded residence then yes if the father wants to be involved moving could be the right option.

A court would never support the mum moving multiple times and most RP want stability for work, childcare and of course schools so let's not pretend a mum would just move constantly.

The father as non RP is likely to have much greater flexibility with work due to limited childcare.

Also the DC will not want to see Dad when they have regular weekend commitments so yes, I think the non RP might have to accommodate his children and be flexible on where he lives. This would be in the children's best interests.

How is this any if your business? In any way shape or form?

If F is not happy and M is set on this course then F needs to take it back to court.

It doesnt matter what a load of randoms on the internet think. M is happy with it and we dont dont what F thinks. Its F thag needs to act

Thanks to all for the messages. Much valued. Have shared w F.

@techway o/p has already said the split was civil, and before the mum moved he used to facilitate her commute by having the kids overnight in the week.

The boys will have had school, sporting interests, and friends in the local area, which the mum has dragged them away from just so she can have an easier commute. Why is it ok for her to do it and not the dad?

As for it being financial, i very much doubt the mum’s commute was much more expensive than a 2x 3 hour taxi journeys for 3 unaccompanied children. That’s got to be what? £200 mimimum weekly?

And as pp said are dads supposed to follow exes round the country? What about his job? Even if it’s better for her finances if he has to move regularly and it affects his career she’s going to get less maintenance so it isn’t as straightforward.

I think you’re reaching a lot with those conclusions.