Access Order

nicmarie

Hi All,
Please help, I am a father and I am taking me ex to court to get access to see my child. my ex is a nightmare and will do everything she can to prevent this. My child is 11 and my ex has convinced him that he doesn't want to spend time with me. I have paid all maintenance required and i have tried to see my son.  I am wondering should I get a solicitor? the court date is beginning of June. Solicitors are very expensive for this. I haven't done anything wrong so I feel if I have a solicitor it might look like I have. Im just not sure how the whole thing works. I would be worried she would have a solicitor and would cause difficulty for me. All I am looking for is every second weekend.  Any advice appreciated.

Evd-Burner

It sounds like you have no experience regarding court so I think your best bet is to get a solicitor. Having one does not mean you have done anything wrong, it simply means you have somebody to represent you and your interests.

How long are you split up and is there any access or maintenance orders in place?

Also have you applied for guardianship?

nicmarie

Yes I have guardianship, we are split up over a year and I haven't seen my son since January. Its €500 for a solicitor.

Captain Obvious

nicmarie wrote: »

Yes I have guardianship, we are split up over a year and I haven't seen my son since January. Its €500 for a solicitor.

Do you think seeing your son is worth €500?

Evd-Burner

nicmarie wrote: »

Yes I have guardianship, we are split up over a year and I haven't seen my son since January. Its €500 for a solicitor.

What kind of a financial situation are you in? Earnings vs outgoings etc.

Captain Obvious wrote: »

Do you think seeing your son is worth €500?

No need for comments like this without knowing the facts, €500 may be completely unobtainable in his situation and from the looks of it if she digs her heels in it will cost a lot more than that!

nicmarie

thanks Evd-Burner, exactly €500 is a huge amount of money for e at the moment. I am paying rent, half the mortgage, child maintenance so having any money spare is a challenge for me! 
I didnt want to get a solicitor if I was capable of doing this myself. I cant see any reason for a judge not to grant me the days! I just know my ex will pull out any card she can- lies or whatever to stop me from seeing him

Evd-Burner

nicmarie wrote: »

thanks Evd-Burner, exactly €500 is a huge amount of money for e at the moment. I am paying rent, half the mortgage, child maintenance so having any money spare is a challenge for me! 
I didnt want to get a solicitor if I was capable of doing this myself. I cant see any reason for a judge not to grant me the days! I just know my ex will pull out any card she can- lies or whatever to stop me from seeing him

See if you are entitled to any form of legal aid. You will need to press them on it though considering how close the court case is. It is possible to represent yourself but it takes a lot of time to prepare and on the first go it's extremely daunting, especially considering what you have said in relation to her using any card that she can.
https://www.legalaidboard.ie/en/Our-Services/Legal-Aid-Services/Do-I-qualify-/

Have you done any parenting courses? If not I suggest you apply to do some as it will stand to you in court like you wouldn't believe.
https://onefamily.ie/