Kids have gone

[Naomi]

Josie, you should have set parenting plans in place to avoid the last-minute calls. It's better for the boys to know in advance when they'll see their Dad, it's better for you to know your plans aren't going to go to pot because he decides to pick the boys up. It might not be as easy and convenient for him, but that's parenting. Also, if you know in advance, you might be less at a loose end when they aren't there, because you know it's happening so you can plan other things or at least be prepared for it.

I imagine if I was in that position, I'd feel the same way too, at least in the beginning. Even now when I *need* a break and they go out with their Dad, I find myself wondering what they are up to after an hour or so.

[Heather]

I know how hard it is......I still don't like it on the very few occasions that Sam visits his father.

[thisoldbag]

He sees them every couple of weeks, but seems to think he can change that to suit himself.

Like, I can't see them this weel, so the week after.

[thisoldbag]

Thank you Naomi. It is all new territorx for all of us.

I am going to need to go through property settlement, and try to keep the house, it isn't suitable for me to hsve to sell up and move due to my illness and my kids are so settled here.

I'd like all that side of things to jist be over,, but üy lawyer said I could drag it put for ages. I really don't want too.

[Naomi]

Have you looked into mediation? I'm pretty sure you'll need to do this BEFORE any court appearances (in fact, may be able to avoid court altogether if things can be resolved mutually). In any case it will help you both come to an agreement on parenting plans etc.

[redrobyn]

My d.d. did mediation it works if both parties are willing to sit down and discuss issues it helped with her situation.

[Sparkles]

yep i think the courts expect mediation to have taken place before you need to hit a court room.