Ex DP and I have a 4 year old, we have been separated 18months.
We have shared 50/50 care on a 2/2/3 schedule, but DD will be starting school in April and this will have to change to suit school etc, this was pre agreed after our split and Ex has always been aware of this.
I know every story has two sides, but I feel I have always tried to be fair and reasonable, Ex had DD for Xmas, and her birthday, and I assisted him in claiming benefits and dealing with paperwork to prepare for the split, I do the majority of the driving. (We live 40mins apart)
Ex now has a new partner, of approx 3/4 months, who has moved in with her teenager.
New partner did not make any effort to introduce herself, and I asked Ex if he and I could meet to discuss several issues I have with DDs care and our lack of communication.
This was refused, and I was told to send a text message, so I sent an admittedly very long message that set out my points, he responded, and (guilty as charged) it descended into bickering by text. He stated he will take me to court as he now disputed the previously agreed arrangements for DDs school, and claims to be 'primary carer'.
I was then telephoned by new partner, who I had not met, who asked me to consider other schools and other care schedules- I agreed to consider this pending a meet.
We met today, Ex refused to speak, and it was was essentially a very cold/wordy conversation between me and new partner (she is ten years older than me with 'childcare qualifications' and I don't take well to being patronised)- I tried to ask Ex to contribute to the conversation but he said he would not speak to me as I am mad.
I was not as controlled as I would like to have been, and felt I floundered a bit, and did not come across very well.
I feel it is not new partners place to be so invested after such a short time, or controlling the situation and that Ex and I should be having the conversations.
I need proper mediation don't I???