I’m here.
Not long home.
My lawyer came to find me after speaking with lcbs lawyer.
They had a few back and forths but I refused to negotiate school nights. My lawyer said it would need to be argued before the sheriff because they would accuse me of being unreasonable.
I asked him if I was unreasonable and he said no. He said I wasn’t saying no for no reason. I had justification for all of it.
I was so shaky but actually remembered to breathe.
His lawyer went in asking for his non residential contact to become overnights. That he really felt strongly that he should be able to take the children to school.
She stated what contact he already had and that he felt it should be more equitable.
My lawyer then spoke and stated this arrangement was plenty. That lcb lived an hour away and that the kids wouldn’t benefit from being outwith their home on a school night.
That it was for lcb to demonstrate that it is in the best interest of the dc for an order to be granted, and better for it to be made than not; but that he had failed to do so.
His lawyer started to argue that while I might think it was plenty, her client disagreed.
The sheriff cut in to say “we’ll, it does seem a substantial amount of contact already” or something like that.
The sheriff refused to extend the current contact arrangement beyond what was agreed already.
His lawyer then asked for a child welfare report to be done. She said it would be helpful to speak to those involved and and allow for a recommendation to the court.
My lawyer opposed this saying it wouldn’t add anything especially bearing in mind the cost of the report.
The sheriff asked who would pay for it and my lawyer said I was already paying to defend this action and, that we don’t agree it’s necessary.
The sheriff then asked lcb if he would pay.
There were whispers and deliberations and he eventually said he would pay.
I had to give the names of people to be interviewed so I said the head teacher at school and one of my best friends who has known me since our eldests were in our bellies. She’s also worked for WA as a child support worker.
He said a teacher, his girlfriend and his parents.
It’s been continued till November 
but, in the meantime, no changes.
I’m feeling a bit better.
When I glanced over and saw him crying, it actually gave me strength. It helped knowing I could predict his behaviour.
I swear he had a petted lip when he agreed to pay for the report.
My lawyer said afterwards it’ll cost the best part of £4K.
My dsis was totally the best choice to take with me. She talked incessantly from 8.30am until I got called at around midday 
I’m off to the shop to buy crisps and chocolate for my tea and, after the dc get home and go to bed, I’m having that bucket of gin too
Still not over but I will hang my hopes on that “substantial amount of contact”
And the report, though I’m gutted he’s now dragging the dc into it and I’m worried about how this will go down with the dc, does mean that I will get my say. It also means he will get his and he might just hang himself.
I’ll be back later but need to nip out before the dc get home.
Lcb will have driven about 100 miles today between court (local to me), his mums (where the dc have been today), bringing them home and then going home himself.
Well tough fucking shit!