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Original poster

Does DP need to go to court to see his child?

8 replies

Pinkdreams · 22/02/2025 21:47

We were supposed to have DSD most of the time and ex on weekends now because he told her he doesn't need to pay her maintenance anymore she's stopping contact, saying to take her to court. This isn't the first time she's withheld contact or dictated what he does, he wants something in place where his time is his time and she can't stop him, does he need to go to court or is there another way? And is it a long process?

OP posts:
mindutopia · 22/02/2025 21:54

It sounds like there is a lot of confusion about how much time she is with each parent. Yes, you need to get that formalised.

TheLightSideOfTheMoon · 22/02/2025 21:55

He can’t just stop maintenance and demand to have his child more instead.

That’s not how the world works.

Parenting isn’t a money saving exercise.

StupidBacteria · 22/02/2025 23:02

Why was he supposed to have his child more and ex at the weekends?
Yes - court is the only route and he will need to go through mediation first which might resolve matters. He should set the ball rolling if this is what he wants (to have set time etc). Best of luck. It will be lengthy yes, unfortunately.

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BigHeadBertha · 22/02/2025 23:09

It's better for everyone if they can work it out without having the court involved.

That can take a little extra graciousness even when the relationship is cordial. It sounds like instead we've got demands, orders and ultimatums on both sides here.

If it's feasible, maybe better to have him take a deep breath and ask to go over there and have a calm, kind conversation, with the best interests of the child foremost in his mind.

NerrSnerr · 22/02/2025 23:10

Had she previously agreed the increase in contact or did your husband just decide?

How old is your step daughter and what does she want?

Original poster
Pinkdreams · 22/02/2025 23:14

NerrSnerr · 22/02/2025 23:10

Had she previously agreed the increase in contact or did your husband just decide?

How old is your step daughter and what does she want?

It was her idea, then when he informed he will not be continuing to pay the agreed amount if we have her full time, she kicked off so she wants us to have DC most of the time and still receive all the maintenance

OP posts:
Dolambslikemintsauce · 22/02/2025 23:16

Well suggest 50 /50.. No money exchanging hands is normal then. She can advise a judge why she won't agree.... Dsd isn't a cash cow for her dm...

Original poster
Pinkdreams · 22/02/2025 23:17

BigHeadBertha · 22/02/2025 23:09

It's better for everyone if they can work it out without having the court involved.

That can take a little extra graciousness even when the relationship is cordial. It sounds like instead we've got demands, orders and ultimatums on both sides here.

If it's feasible, maybe better to have him take a deep breath and ask to go over there and have a calm, kind conversation, with the best interests of the child foremost in his mind.

They can't, DC is 6 this has been the case for years, I know everyone says this but the ex is crazy there is no reasoning. One time we planned to pick DC up at 10am and take her to the zoo for the day (she's never been and was so excited), the ex couldn't find her passport and really needed it that day to go and get a loan for something, because she couldn't find it she kicked off and said DC isn't going to the zoo and we can't see her.

OP posts:
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