The hearing was only confirmed a few days ago, and my finalised statement was only sent to the court yesterday. That should have told me a few things.
The hearing was late morning but I decided to get there just after 9 so I could have a decent breakfast in the restaurant. It was over an hour before my Barrister arrived so nothing was rushed.
There was no sign of the ex. I can't say I was overly surprised, but she had been served with the court papers a week earlier. I knew the whereabouts of my children (just in case ...) so I knew she didn't have to look after them. The judge later agreed with that.
My main problem is that the judge did not agree with my application for (temporary) custody - the legal term is interim residence.
He basically said he wouldn't grant the order unless social services agreed, in which case they should have been there today. So, despite all the evidence and a fair bit of argument around a large oak table, not much was achieved.
The ex will be told she cannot move the children north, or anywhere for that matter. So, no disappearing. He's instructed social services to write a report, but gave them 8 weeks to complete it. The next hearing is at the end of August.
Not good.
My main concern (apart from the daily worry about my children) is that while they're at school they can be monitored. Once school ends in 6 weeks that supervision ends.
I'll be asking the schools for a meeting next week to try and work out a plan. Right now I have to assume that nothing will happen for nearly three months. Not acceptable, but my options are limited.
Topsy
Well....
It may not be all good, but it's also not bad. The restraining order against moving is certainly a step in the right direction, and that gives you time to work with Social Services. Abusers (at least, those not interested in stopping permanently) can't stop themselves for very long, so six weeks is probably enough time for additional evidence to surface. I'd suggest working with the school and see if they could perform occasional nurse check ups for documentation reasons. (of course, I don't know if they can or not. I'm not even close to that area)
BW
Protocols have to be followed
they're a pain, but theoretically, nothing is then overlooked. At least courts do award custody to fathers these days, so getting what you want is more likely than a few years ago. However, let's hope the children are protected and then come to live with you.
Angharad
Angharad