How should I handle this?

[Peppaismyhomegirl]

Exh walked out on is when I was pregnant with dd.
He has seen her once when she was 4 weeks old. Nothing since. No messages nothing. He pays maintainence.

I was wondering how to move forward with this. I have never stopped him seeing her, he just doesn't want to. We have a wonderful stable home and she is thriving. She is 3 years old

I want to ensure he can't come back and mess her up in years to come. I would like to get a residency order but I don't want to provoke anything.
I wouldn't stop him seeing her in the future, it's her right. But I want to make sure I'm in control of the situation so he can't do any damage.
All if this might not be an issue,
He might never want to see her? Or it might start a battle that I don't think I'm strong enough for?

I think a little preparation is probably necessary for yourself and, to a lesser extent, for your DD. He doesn't sound like he's going to make an appearance but you should prepare for what to say if/when he does. Also, there may be a point where DD asks about him because she'll see others with Dads and you'll need an answer ready for when you get the question. If you've remarried and/or there is another father figure in her life she might not be so curious. Even so, I think you mitigate against nasty shocks by being age-appropriately honest with DCs rather than hiding the truth too completely.