Increasing contact when living 45 mins away from selfish ex?

[PoesyCherish]

When I first got with DP, him and his ex lived about 15 mins away from each other. He saw his DD three nights a week and every Saturday (but was never allowed overnights). Last year he finally got her to agree to overnights but she would only agree to every other weekend if he stopped the midweek contact. So now he sees his DD 4 nights a month, which sucks for his DD and for him.

About 3 years ago his ex decided to move closer to family which meant DP and ex lived 30 mins away from each other. Due to ex not allowing any other contact other than every other weekend Friday after work to Sunday evening, we decided to move slightly further away when we bought a house as it was much cheaper moving that extra 15 mins away.

So two separate issues here. How do you increase contact when you live 45 mins away in a way that is best for 6 year old DSD? How do you get a manipulative selfish ex to agree to more contact?

They've tried mediation in the past, she agreed to things and then went back on it within 2 months. DP suspects even if he went down the court route she may say, yes sure but then a few months down the line will go back on it again.

[thisisnotmyname87]

My partner had similar issues with his ex. She eventually stopped all contact therefore he had no other choice but to go to court to make sure he fought for his DS.

The court order has been in place for the last four years and has work perfectly. I would get some legal advice as going to court wasn't a lengthy process. If he wants to see her more then I don't see what other options he really has?