My partner has a 14 year old son. He split up with his mother about twelve years ago and Maurice lives with his mother most of the time. We have spent holidays and the occasional weekend together over the recent three years and usually have a very enjoyable time. I have always perceived the relationship between my partner and his son as very warm and good. The mother of my partners son has decided to stop talking with my partner about 7 years ago once she met her new partner making matters rather difficult for my partner. Overall she has pretty much excluded my partner from any decisions since she has got custody and whilst Maurice is meant to spend every other weekend with his father this frequently does not happen since they have planned other activities. Maurice is a rather introverted kid and seems to avoid conflict at all cost. Whilst my partner has encouraged him to be open about what he wants Maurice has not been particularly forthcoming and does not answer any phone calls from his dad when he is at his mother. It is all quite confusing and upsetting for my partner. He has recently had a conversation with Maurice that he wants for example to be informed when he is not coming for the weekend and that he would like to be able to rely on what has been agreed but matters have got rather worse. I find it all very sad for both of them. I have so far stayed out of any conversations with Maurice. I feel at this stage that maybe I should be more proactive and also speak with him though I am not really sure. Any advice is appreciated.