I've been involved in an emotionally draining Schedule 1 case (provision in relation to financial relief for children of unmarried parents).
Brief Background - I'm not married to my son's father. He supported us for 3.5 years - since I had our son, until March this year when he reduced the support because his ex wife found out he had a child with me and filed for divorce. They had been seperated for 5 years but she didnt know my son or I existed. I was with him for 3 years, ended in 2009 because he wouldnt commit and I needed "normalcy" for our son.
It started early this year and we just got to the FDR (Financial Dispute Resolution) stage and I am TORN. I just want this over and done with YET I have to stay strong and ensure I get an adequate and fair provision for my son. I trust my solicitors and I do all they say.
My son's father is another matter - he keeps making shitty offers - LESS than what he was paying before all this shit started and even LESS than what the Judge ordered him to pay at the Interim Hearing for Maintenance. At the same time, he is being helpful (paying for my surgery, coming to see his son every week and telling me he will always take care of us) YET his solicitors make this ridiculous and annoying offer which I wont accept and he makes me feel like I am being unreasonable.
I am beyond fed up.
Has anyone gone through this process? If we are not able to reach an agreement at the FDR, how long do I have to wait for the Final Hearing? And if he refuses to adhere to the ruling at the final hearing, what do I do? Continue with this court malarkey?
Apologies if I sound disjointed. I am just shattered, physically and mentally exhausted and beginning to question whether I am doing the right thing or not.