Meeting a new partner after the pain and grief of separation and divorce is like being reborn - it's great - and you're happy - and things are going really well. Then you find your ex stops you seeing your kids. It is very common. And at that point if you have only had an informal arrangement for regular time with the kids, you may need to apply to court - but try mediation first.
Some ex's will not accept that you a) have a new woman in your life and b) that the KIDS have a new woman in their lives.
Courts are very used to seeing what's going on there. That a perfectly good arrangement has gone south as soon as the Dad has a new partner or introduces her to the kids. And they will give short shrift to a Mother who prevents the kids seeing their Dad just because he has a new partner. They may try some dispute resolution at first hearing to sort it out. But from then on you may need a clearly defined court order.
It can help to do things gradually. If you're on speaking terms with your ex, then maybe let them know that you plan to gradually introduce the kids to your partner. But still expect issues. Dads who need support over Child Arrangements are the ones who have an ex who stops contact because they don't like something and want to control everything. And yet they would probably move a new man in without warning, to become a new Father figure, without even telling you. That is another topic.
So the blow ups tend to occur a) When you have a new partner b) when you move in together c) when you get engaged or married d) when you move house e) when you have another child with your partner.
Why? When you move house? Who knows. Because your house is bigger/better - or just jealousy - because it's a happy event.
It can be at these times of happiness for you, and change, that you most need this forum!
Some ex's will not accept that you a) have a new woman in your life and b) that the KIDS have a new woman in their lives.
Courts are very used to seeing what's going on there. That a perfectly good arrangement has gone south as soon as the Dad has a new partner or introduces her to the kids. And they will give short shrift to a Mother who prevents the kids seeing their Dad just because he has a new partner. They may try some dispute resolution at first hearing to sort it out. But from then on you may need a clearly defined court order.
It can help to do things gradually. If you're on speaking terms with your ex, then maybe let them know that you plan to gradually introduce the kids to your partner. But still expect issues. Dads who need support over Child Arrangements are the ones who have an ex who stops contact because they don't like something and want to control everything. And yet they would probably move a new man in without warning, to become a new Father figure, without even telling you. That is another topic.
So the blow ups tend to occur a) When you have a new partner b) when you move in together c) when you get engaged or married d) when you move house e) when you have another child with your partner.
Why? When you move house? Who knows. Because your house is bigger/better - or just jealousy - because it's a happy event.
It can be at these times of happiness for you, and change, that you most need this forum!
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