Clarifying rights and options

Our client is in his 30s and has a child under 2.  When he separated from his ex-partner (the child’s mother) they had an informal, unwritten arrangement by which he could see the child (and her other children to whom he had become a father-figure) on weekends.  They also agreed he would pay her a child maintenance allowance of several hundred pounds monthly.

These arrangements broke down after 6 months. 

His ex-partner began to refuse access and asked for an increased monthly amount.  He rejected this having checked several websites and established that he was paying more than guideline amounts.  He didn’t know why she was asking for more money and it became impossible to start a discussion.

After 3 months he became very anxious and decided to ask for our help. 

Our adviser explained that his ex-partner’s actions were unreasonable: his parental responsibility gave him the access rights he had enjoyed.  We took him through the official guidance on gov.uk.  We also advised him to keep a diary of events that would be needed if he had to take legal action.  And we showed him where to find details of mediation and legal services.

Our client said that he was reassured and grateful.  We invited him to contact CARBS again once he had checked the information and decided his next steps.

Read our full online advice Ending a Relationship