Can ex expect that child only sees father at her home?

[Cheekyboi1]

A dear friend separated from his partner three years ago all amicable, although initially not his decision.

DF moved to family members house who had severe health issues so having son over was difficult. DF saw son (5) very regularly would go to ex’s house a few times a week and over one day at the weekend, take him out for lunch, the park etc and rightly pays maintenance.

Ex has new partner who is moving in, Ex new partner started to feel uncomfortable with DF going over to the house very regularly.

Ex GF started to change planned arrangements which meant DF couldn’t do things he had planned. DF now wants to take son out for longer than a couple of hours and would like son to stay overnight.

EX GF states that son does not want to go out with DF, he only wants to see him at her home with her there and only for a couple of hours here and there and will not let DF take son out without her.

Is this reasonable? Can EX GF stipulate this? If not what can be done to resolve the issue.

I think if there is no reason he should be supervised, then he should be allowed to have time alone with his son. He has equal rights to see his son, provided that he can take him to somewhere safe and comfortable. Start for a short time and build up so the child has time to adjust.

Your friend needs to go to court to sort out proper contact agreement.

Your DF needs to go through court for formalised access.

Well he could try the exGF again and point out she’s being a bit unreasonable about this but, assuming she ignores that, it would have to be mediation and then Family Court.

He can represent himself to keep costs down. If he thinks it might turn into an ugly fight in court then suggest he contacts an org like F4J as they may be able to provide legal advice and possibly some assistance on the court hearings.