Hi Mr my solicitor
Thank you for today. It was more difficult than I anticipated and the outcome wasn’t what I expected at all. I’m upset and angry at what happened.
Firstly, I believe receiving the report at such a late stage didn’t give me (or you) enough time to digest the content and perhaps point out some contradictions within the report itself and the overall recommendations.
I only received the emailed copy at 1.30pm today but it is headed “court tomorrow”, suggesting it was written on Sunday. When did everyone else receive a copy?
For example, it was the reporters recommendation that we trial a Sunday night overnight despite my misgivings; many of which were not documented. Mrs OW’s desire for a family mealtime (which they already have) seems to have been given more weight than either mine or DD’s concerns. DD had been quite clear that she was worried about being late for school. She told the reporter this and has told me numerous times since that she’d said she didn’t want to stay at her dads on a school night.
DS has also tonight voiced his concerns about being tired in the morning for school and the long drive. And that he thought nothing would change because he didn’t say he wanted it to.
I have asked them both to tell me if they feel it is not working for them as it is only a trial till after Christmas.
I am also disappointed that their Friday afternoon has been curtailed. I know it’s only 30 minutes but it is the difference between them leaving at around the same time as everyone else or being taken away from the fun before the others.
This time will also be impacted by the practicalities of having to sort out their school bags, books, homework, uniforms, etc.
I remain unconvinced this is in their interests. And I’m disappointed that LCB and his girlfriend have been given leave by the court to expect my children to make allowances for their difficulties in picking their child up from nursery. The children have told me that Mrs OW is at the flat when they return on a Friday so it’s unclear why any change is needed at all.
I’ve since had time to contemplate the impact of the rulings and, while I’m delighted to have the kids at home every evening (barring eow) for tea, this also means I have a financial impact to negotiate.
I can no longer offer to work later on Thursdays as I will need to return home to cook dinner. A meal which I didn’t have to provide before. And similarly on Mondays.
LCB however does not now have that expense.
I would like to reassert my argument that if the kids are also to be fed at home on Thursdays then they should be dropped off at their usual teatime of 5.30.
If LCB can use the argument that “it’s only half an hour” then I should also be allowed that privilege.
And again I would add that, if 5pm is an unsuitable time on Fridays that perhaps the compromise is for him to collect them later which does not have a negative impact on their play and would presumably give him and/or the baby’s mother time to collect him from his nursery.
I would happily provide a meal for the children to facilitate a smoother transition when they arrive at their fathers house.
I was pretty shellshocked after the hearing and became very upset, feeling like I’d been railroaded into things that I didn’t agree with.
However, it is my kids I am most upset for.
They were dragged into this by LCB and, having been interviewed and asked to voice their feelings, those feelings have been largely ignored.
This one better work.