The morning after my last blog I received an email from my solicitor. It confirmed our conversation of the previous afternoon but added new information.

The aunt's barrister has apparently advised her to apply for a Guardianship Order in respect of my son. This Order is usually reserved for cases where the children have been removed from 'unfit' or imprisoned parents and placed with grandparents (etc) permanently.

Given how I am neither unfit nor imprisoned I do not agree with the proposal as it would remove any ability I have to work with my son, including his schooling and welfare, unless the aunt explicitly allowed it. That could mean (in a very very worst case) that I (nor his sister) wouldn't see him until he was 16.

My solicitor equally sees this as the wrong approach. My feeling is that the reasoning is financial, she would get an allowance from the local authority that would exceed anything she could get now, short of working.

If the proposal is submitted to the court then I will respond with an application for residence, something I've resisted so far as I've wanted to act with my son's co-operation. His state of mind is paramount but not if my parental rights and responsibilities are zapped.

Against all the odds, I met with my son and the aunt at Nottingham station (think Sherwood Forest) then escorted him to the holiday park.

He had a wonderful week and only tried to kill his little sister once (that I noticed, anyway). He behaved like a 12 year old, as he should. I had a few chats with him, on our own, but didn't expect detailed answers from him. My mother was less reserved and asked him if he hated me. My son was confused until my mother explained this had been stated in court documents. He told her that those were not his words, he'd never said it.

We also sorted out Christmas, he's up for it. I told him about the planned two day trip to his former town (well, ten miles away given the court order) to see his mum, nan and any others from that family. He thought for a moment then said that if his mum didn't want to see him then he'd phone a few mates and get them to get on the bus to where he was. It appears he's in touch with them on by text message and on Facebook. Interesting way of thinking.

We were on the way back when I bought a lottery ticket. He asked what I'd spend winnings on, I said it would be a house big enough for him and his sister. He asked if he could have a large plasma TV in his room. He didn't ask if he could visit, this was his room.

I have several items of mail from my solicitor (including an invoice no doubt) that I'll open later. I'm still on a high from the past week so any downers can wait a bit longer.

Topsy