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Relationships

Mumsnet has not checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you need help urgently or expert advice, please see our domestic violence webguide and/or relationships webguide. Many Mumsnetters experiencing domestic abuse have found this thread helpful: Listen up, everybody

Dire relationship with ex after family court proceedings... advice please

88 replies

mummytippy · 19/12/2015 23:58

Please advise on the following...

After approx 18 months of family court proceedings the acromony between my ex partner and myself has reached breaking point and I'm emotionally exhausted by all that has gone on.

We've been communicating through email (so that there's evidence) only over vital things as my ex was controlling and abusive (the reason I split from him). He now tries to control me through our ds. We split up 7 years ago.

2 weeks ago I sent him a proposal for next years holidays for contact and holidays and also Xmas arrangements etc (as outlined and directed in the court order). Naively I thought he'd come back agreeing with most of the dates and just say a few dates needed to be changed, but he rejected it all. He claimed I was dictating and interpreting the order to suit myself when I wasn't but he did not propose any dates himself. Instead he threatened me with Court action and told a Cafcass officer that he would obstruct me collecting our dc from him on Boxing Day after Xmas if he could not collect our ds from school yesterday.

I contacted the Court and we had to have a hearing to agree the arrangements for Xmas and the next year. It was extremely difficult and he had his solicitor with him. I represented myself. Both he and his solictitor have bullying natures.

The Judge talked to us and confirmed weekends are to be suspended when school breaks up which I found frustrating as this will interfere with the weekends I'm to spend with my son. As part of the Order we alternate weekends. My ex had our dc last weekend. My last weekend with him being the 5th & 6th Dec so I was looking forward to this weekend with my dc as I'm not collecting him until Boxing Day morning. I felt my proposal for Xmas contact was a better split of the time.

On the morning before Court I noticed my dc had a red eye, like the start of conjunctivitis. He has been suffering with an extremely chesty cold for the last 10 days. I therfore made a doctors appointment for after school as over the counter meds haven't shifted it. My ds said his eye was sore so I reassured him by telling him I'd make a doctors appointment appointment for him.

We attended Court and in view of alternate weekends being suspended upon the break up of school, the Judge said his father was to collect our dc from school yesterday. I was expecting him to collect him tom eve (Sunday)). As I thought this was to be the start of his Xmas contact (at the end of my contact weekend). My dc also had a piano lesson arranged half an hour after school and then his Cubs Xmas party 6.30pm - 8pm. The docs appoint was to be sandwiched between the two.

The Judge was made aware of the half hour piano lesson, docs appointment and the Cubs Xmas party. The Judge recommended our dc attend his piano lesson and to see what the condition of his eye was after coming out from school. If still not cleared up he was to attend the doctors appointment but after that it was for his father 'to take the lead' on whether he should attend his Cubs party. I was disappointed that the Judge in view of the arrangements our dc was anticipating attending, that he did not suggest my ex collecting our ds today (eg, split the difference on each of our expectations when contact would start) so I could simply take him to these arranged activities. My exs solicitor actually launched into a very personal attack outside Court accusing me of arranging these activities (including the doctors appointment) as a 'manipulation tactic'!!! His solicitor said my ex could take our ds to a doctor in his contact time. I stressed it was better he see his own doctor and I'd taken the last appointment. I was cross he had no regard towards the best intersts of my dc!

My point to all this in giving so much background is that my ex agreed at Court to what the Judge said but then he did not follow through. This has not been the first time he has gone back on his word and I'm exhausted by his lies, attitude but importamntly how much it confuses and upsets our son.

So, the the Judge ruled my ex collect our ds from school, he attend his piano lesson and the doctors appointment and to the see how much our ds wanted to go to the Cubs Xmas party. I obv knew the answer to the latter and had already told the Judge this. Our ds had baked some biscuits the night before to take to the party. My ex left Court saying contact school, tell them I'm coming (which I did) and that he'd meet me at my house with regard to everything else.

My ex was then 30 mins late so had his gf text me half an hour before school out to ask me to arrange to collect our ds from school and wait at home. 10 mins later still no sign so I cancelled the piano lesson because I didn't feel it would go down too well if I was not at home with our ds when he arrived.

When he did arrive I advised our ds's eye was worse (redder) and on looking at it our dc's eye, he played it down. My ds said it was sore but my ex said 'it will be okay' and he'd monitor it. I said it had already deteriorated since the morning. He would have none of it despite me suggesting we all go to the doctors (in separate vehicles) just for peace of mind and to have our ds's chest checked too. My ex said he would prefer to just get going homeand would take our ds to a doctor in his area. He assured me he would and only because he assured me he would I was pressured into saying goodbye until Boxing Day to our ds. I rang the surgery and cancelled the appointment explaing the situ.

With regard to the Cubs party he simply told our ds he could not go as it would be too late getting back to his area... but then said it's not a school night so they could watch films until late... My son was clearly disappointed but said nothing despite his counter offer.

This morning, I emailed my ex to see which doctor he'd taken him to and what the outcome was and he told me hadnt taken him and it appeared to be fine. It was not fine yesterday and I'm really cross at myself that I did not insist on taking our ds to our local surgery to the appointment I'd made.

I'm so furious with my ex as he agreed to do this and has not. He was also arrogant towards me in attitude with regards to the agreed contact schedule of which I'd said I'd send him a re-worked schedule based on what we'd agreed... but then he had his gf send one via his email account 30 mins after leaving Court.

Any advise on how to go forwards would be grately appreciated. Thank you in advance.

OP posts:
Toffeelatteplease · 23/12/2015 08:14

Drop the constant calls to cafcass. You ex just says "DS is fine, I can try and make an appointment to confirm that but it's just mummytippy causing trouble again." You look like an idiot.

Don't reply to emails unless you absolutely have to. The parroting techniques is genius.

Remember in the court and cafcass' eyes your ex has equal parental responsibility (even when they are an absolute twat). He has equal right to decide if DS does or doesn't need a doctor, or whether he does any activities. Don't bother complaining about either of those.

Try to get yourselves out of the court system and external control as quickly as possible. Stop arguing as much as possible. Once you are out slowly let the time drop. It will happen eventually.

The stuff you are arguing about isn't going to achieve anything in terms of reducing the time your child has the misfortune of spending with a shitty dad.

Unless there's injury, and that has to be more substantial than the very significant injury not seeing there dad will cause Hmm, you really are on a hiding to nothing arguing how useless he is.

Idontknowwheretogo · 23/12/2015 09:57

Who is the resident parent? as it sounds like the father is to me.

I think you've just got to parent your way and let him do it his way, and for the sake of your son try and take all the animosity out of the situation.

MsColouring · 23/12/2015 14:49

I feel your pain reading this thread. I have been through a painful mediation process and a court case followed by countless solicitor's letter trying to tell me that I have misunderstood the court order so my working relationship with my ex is shot to pieces. I constantly feel he is looking for the next fight or opportunity to criticise me. I don't feel I deal with him very well still. I only communicate with him if I have to and that is only by text (we used to have a contact book which he'd conveniently lose whenever there was any dispute over times).
What I have learnt to do is try to concentrate on what I can do and try and let go of what I can't change. He does have the right to take the children to the doctor - I hate him doing so as I never get the right information back but I leave him to get on with it. I try and pick my battles carefully - not giving ds his inhaler was an issue, dd still sleeping in a toddler bed isn't my issue. Dd has music lessons in school so it isn't prevented by contact with her dad. If something comes up on his weekend I always ask him before saying the dc can do it - I often just send party invitations to his and get him to deal with it - makes him feel like he's in control.
For your own sanity, you may have to just learn to let go a little otherwise it will drive you mad.
Have you planned anything nice for you this week?

wallywobbles · 23/12/2015 16:23

If my kids are away less than a week I don't call. It's in nobody's interest. Tough one though.

mummytippy · 23/12/2015 16:50

Thanks everyone...

I sent a very brief email along the lines of MakeitRains advice...
I then received a reply (cleverly worded) saying he took our ds to a doctor and is 'was' conjunctivitis. He said he's got some drops to 'stop it coming back' (like it had gone!). It's clearly evident that my ds has been suffering for at least 5 days with this complaint when he obv could have just gone to the original Doc appoint here and get sorted before leaving with his father.

Further more I have been asked not to email again, but to ring him and he's mentioned feeling more comfortable with this method of comms from the perspective of Court! He said if I email him, he will telephone me with his reply. I am not going to telephone him... as it will result in an arguement and my ds will prob be in earshot.

I have my answer now (apert from not knowing when my ds saw a doctor... I always email him to inform him) and and am just happy my ds has seen a doctor - - that is all I wanted!!! Just to know a healthcare professional had taken a look. I asked a simple question and instead of getting a simple answer I got the run around.

It's definitely my new years resolution to not enter into things in future. I'm also going to tell my ds to call me anytime he wants to whilst at his fathers in future but I will try my best not to call as mentioned here others have suffered exactly the same in being ignored.

I am the resident parent IDontKnowWhereToGo.

The 12 calls to his father were attempted call which went unanswered FidlerOnTheRoof.

OP posts:
WhoooshFlooosh · 23/12/2015 16:52

Op, I feel your pain.

Must admit though after reading a few of your posts I thought you were a tad OTT about after school clubs, piano Lessons, Cafcass, one step out of line = report to court etc.....

But I saw though all that & changed my mind. You seem to be on a hamster wheel of constant fuckwittery from your ex. I see that you aren't being OTT, you are trying to do what is right for your DC.

But as pp have said, chose your battles. You have to let go of some stuff, be clever, rearrange things, put yourself in control, change days of cubs, piano Lessons etc. By doing that, the ex has less control. Fewer opportunities to put you on the hamster wheel.

petalsandstars · 23/12/2015 16:58

I'm sure he is more comfortable with a non recorded no evidence phone conversation than an email evidential trail. Doesn't mean it's the right thing to do for you though.

mummytippy · 23/12/2015 16:59

Sorry forgot to add that that I replied asking which Doctor, when and which drops were prescribed... In view he said if I email him he will ring me with the answer - he hasn't. His reply to my email, askes me to ring him as he isn't going to reply by email... how childish and controlling can you get.

I feel like saying... ''This seems really petty when all I want was to be kept informed of how our ds is... and you've taken the time to tell me how you wish to communicate rather than answer my very reasonable question''!!!

I was advised last year to only comm through email... (we both have smart phones). Sorry guys... can you hold my hand on this too?

OP posts:
WhoooshFlooosh · 23/12/2015 17:11

Don't reply to fuckwit. Make a doc appt asap for when you can take DS.

WhoooshFlooosh · 23/12/2015 17:14

Lesson learnt. If you want DS to see a doctor, you have to make the appt & you have to take him.

mummytippy · 23/12/2015 17:22

Yes, lesson learnt and I realised this on Saturday morning when I received the reply that I did.

I don't feel comfortable phoning him and emailing was advised at the very start of all the Court nonsense which went on for approx 18 months.

I think you're right but as I'm not in agreement with phoning him, I'm not going to have my reasonable question answered and going forwards I certainly don't want him phoning me!

OP posts:
Bogeyface · 23/12/2015 19:11

"Dear Fuckwit

As I explained to you, I will not be discussing anything with you by phone. Any conversations you wish to have with me must be via email or text message. I have made this decision after taking legal advice.

I find it odd that you have taken the time to email me in order to inform me that you will not be emailing me, and did not simply provide the information I asked for.

In the case of an emergency a text message will reach me just as quickly as a phone call.

This is my ongoing positon regarding communication between us.

Fuck you"

icandothis64 · 23/12/2015 19:15

Bogeyface. Nicely put.

mummytippy · 23/12/2015 19:59

Thank you Bogeyface... very nicely put and that is what I shall send bar the opening and the sign off! :-)

OP posts:
WhoooshFlooosh · 23/12/2015 20:01

Excellent advice from bogeyface. Maybe take out the 'fuckwit' & 'fuck you' Wink

WhoooshFlooosh · 23/12/2015 20:01

Sorry, cross posts

mummytippy · 23/12/2015 20:25

No need to apologise WhooshFloosh Smile

I need to be as decisive as Bogeyface!

OP posts:
Bogeyface · 23/12/2015 20:29

Maybe take out the 'fuckwit' & 'fuck you'

Well you could, I s'pose......Wink

mummytippy · 23/12/2015 20:48

He has replied with...

''Sorry if you want to ask me anything ring me''.

OP posts:
mummytippy · 23/12/2015 20:49

Sorry, crossed message... Funny Bogeyface Wink

OP posts:
mummytippy · 23/12/2015 20:52

Question is now do I say something along the lines of I'll take this as a form of not keeping me informed... I'm wondering if I'd emailed him again whether he'd have even told me he'd taken our ds to the doctor.

...Maybe he hasn't and that's why he won't commit to putting anything in writing.

OP posts:
wallywobbles · 23/12/2015 21:25

Time to back off. Silence will get you further at this point.

Assume no doctors appointment. Make your own. No more questions from you.

icandothis64 · 23/12/2015 21:30

I agree. Don't reply. But just continue to email when necessary. You have laid out your position. No need to repeat it. Good luck. Hugs.

mummytippy · 23/12/2015 22:46

Thank you and thank you for the hug... Is it nearly Xmas?, certainly doesn't feel like it!!!

I will just leave it and assume he's hiding the fact he hasn't taken ds to see a doctor. When I first posted my initial post I had no idea things were going to unfold as they have. I will make my own appointment for ds.

As you say, I will continue to email him to keep him informed (only when absolutely necessary) and as he's saying he won't be replying by email anymore I think I'm going to have to text him too to direct him to such an email as usually I would say ''please confirm receipt'' at the end of important emails.

OP posts:
springydaffs · 23/12/2015 23:38

I replied asking which Doctor, when and which drops were prescribed

He's 9. Not 2. You can't micromanage everything like this - really, you can't. It sounds like you're trying to stop him being controlling - and guess what he's worse than ever.

Yy it would be nice if you were civilised and could chat back and forth - but you're not and probably never will be. When ds goes to him that's it, he's gone - to what the courts deem a responsible parent. So that's that, you have to let him go. He's 9, he's old enough.

You're putting yourself right at the centre of ex's control machine and you're getting ground up in it. You have to stay away. So what if he misses piano lessons/cubs Christmas party? Really, if you battle over small fry like this you will be ground to dust - bcs you will find ex's manipulations bottomless. He is fully prepared to use your boy to point score so don't give him the opportunity. And save your mental health in the process.

When he goes to his dads he is effectively out of your reach. You have to accept that. He's 9.

[Children with NPD ex btw so I have the badge]