I will try and be brief but I have ASD (asperger's ) so being succinct is not my strength. Please bear with me.
I am waiting for my decree absolute application and considering starting a custody battle over my 8 yo DD who turns 9 in March.
I married my husband after a very wrong marriage ending in divorce ..me doing a rinner in my 20s (1 stillbirth, 1rainbow now 16 and a relatively easy divorce). My first husband did not have any claim to our then 1.5 y o son.
This time however we have 3 more children between us, 12, 8 and 6. We separated (as a trial) a few years ago and stayed in the same house as the youngest was only 3. I then started working away 2 days a week and husband started dating and telling the kids I was seeing men not working. He had always been decent but as soon as I told him my feelings had changed after he betrayed me plus there were other problems, he turned into a vengeful sneaky malicious being. He tried to drive me out of the house, turn the kids against me etc. Just for the record I married my first a virgin and never cheated on anyone.
We eventually went to counselling and decided to separate properly and amicably. I met someone else who proposed to me straight away and accepted my children. It was decided between my ex and I that the younger ones would move first. We told the school (different cities) and got everything ready. He then changed his mind and stopped the 8yo from moving. My 12yo DD decided she was moving instead and did.
My 16 yo was starting y11 and said hed stay for a year or so just to get to 6th form. He is my rainbow from previous marriage but DH2 and I met when he was not even 2.
Long story short DH2 has dragged the divorce, tried to lure 6yo back suggesting we swap them (he was never interested but suddenly decided he has a bond). He often threatened to drive off a cliff when kids got too much. My 6 and 2 to are happy here my 16yo visits often. My 8yo I see once a month. DH2 is sabotaging access, not enabling or cooperating even though it means he does not see the other 2. He maintains she needs daddy more. He is on his own working full time and in a casual long distance relationship.
I am a freelancer always here after school and my partner has a very good job and a stable home. We will be married as soon as divorce is completed.
DH2 is saying to DD8 he knows she wants to live with me but not going to happen as she is too young(!!??).
I am considering going to court. Any chance of winning? I welcome any questions and opinions and stories.