My daughter (9), has asked for a sleepover at her 'dads'. Problem is he gave up contact when she was 2ish. I've allowed contact on birthdays etc for the last few years. Bigger problem: the relationship between the dad and i was fine at first until he married. Then it became volatile and abusive to the point where i had a DVO out and had to organise change over at the police station.
He also has a relationship with a person that I have heard really scary things about (from multiple sources including the dad, his sister and mother).
I want to keep my daughter safe but i want her to have a QUALITY relationship with her dad. She loves him. I have to hide my anxiety attacks every time we speak or have contact. I love her and want her to know her siblings but the fear that he will take off with her (he has refused to give her back multiple times including a christmas day before he gave up contact.) And I'll never see her again, is overwhelming some days.
I have a history of depression and anxiety. My depression hasnt reared it head in years. My anxiety rarely shows up but i have ways to help that go away. I dont want to go down that road again.
Can i get some ideas on how to limit tge risk to my daughter should her dad initiate mediation?
I'll be contacting legal advise about the legalities but i just want experiences and advise on things to ask about.
Thank you for any help.
1 Replies
I would definitely go through supervised visitations. Especially considering that he has threatened to not return your daughter, Personally I wouldn't be risking him not returning her. Also with the volatile relationship between you both and the unsettling feelings towards his current partner, it would be in yours and your daughters best interests to keep the visitations supervised. Best of luck!