DP and I have been together for 3 years and have 1 yr old DD. DP has a DD (6) from a previous relationship. DP and his Ex split over 3.5 yrs ago. They are currently still married as the divorce process was just too expensive for DP to pursue.
His ex has been difficult from day one. She told DSD that when she was with her Dad that "mummy would miss her too much and be upset", when we got our dog she told her dogs bite, when I was pregnant said that babies were horrible and cried all the time. This has got better and worse over the years in waves. She will be fine with contact for months then all of a sudden stop. We haven't seen DSD since the beginning of September. DP has been there EOW as arranged previously to pick up DSD but there has been no answer to the door/texts/phone calls. He didn't even get to speak to her on his birthday.
When we did have regular contact with DSD she was fab. Had so much fun with us and her sister. She would get upset for a few moments before she went to sleep because she missed mummy which is totally acceptable in a young child but after cuddles and reassurance she was fine and would go to sleep. DSD has become "apparently" very anxious all of a sudden to come and visit us. This has happened suddenly and we have no idea what's happened. She apparently doesn't want contact with DP, our DD, me, her paternal grandma/grandad and great grandma. No one has seen her for months. When DP did get a reply from ex it was to say DSD was anxious and adamant she didn't want to say anything. However we've been told that she has mentioned to DPs younger brother (who is only 9 and at same school) that she misses us all and wants to see her.
DP is seeing his solicitor and she is sending a letter telling Ex to reinstate contact. We think she has been planning for contact to stop for a while as she recently contacted CSA to arrange maintenance payments, whereas before hand they just sorted it between themselves.
We are all devastated. DP will be going for as much custody as he can, we would love 100% but realise that as the father the chances are slim. So hoping for 50/50. But if ex has poisoned DSD against us and she doesn't want to come to ours there isnt much we can do. I don't know much about court atrangement and was hoping for some help. Thanks.