What happens in court

[Sparklebrandy]

My partner is having to go down the court route for more access to his little boy, at the moment he is only allowed him once a week on a Saturday or Sunday - times are very rigid and he is not allowed him overnight. His ex will not allow overnight stays as little one does not have a bedroom of his own at partners house (not enough rooms). Ideally he would like to have his son every other weekend Friday and Saturday night and then take home Sunday tea time. Or to start with one night a week atleast to get him settled staying away - he's 3 and a half and has asked to have sleepovers and my partner has had to say no. Breaks my heart for them both. He's a good dad and loves his little boy. His ex just says no to more contact and overnights until he's older and has his own room. Sleeping arrangements would be that he had my partner's bedroom and partner would sleep on the sofa - does this sound reasonable?

Sounds reasonable to me.

A good and loving parent male or female should do everything they can to encourage a loving relationship with the other parang and facilitate as much time for the non resident parent and child to have together as the child wants.

Unfortunately the fact that he is heading to court suggests a non cooperative resident parent who will play all the usual tricks to try and keep the child to herself. If she has engaged a lawyer brace yourselves for alllegations of domestic abuse (physical or emotional) and her doing everything she can to discredit your partner and you to keep the time he gets with his child to a minimum.

It’s a brutal process, and regardless of what anyone here says it is seriously weighted against a non resident dad who wants to try and build a proper relationship with their child.

Good luck

Just to add OP I am two years into watching my DH battle endlessly to get more time with his son, so although I have never been to court I am well aware of the process and the potential pitfalls of CAFCASS, social services etc get involved or if the child’s mother simply starts telling lies to get her own way.

Feel free to message me if I can be any help. There are also some very active and useful groups on Facebook populated by men and women having the same battles.