Hi Arna. Currently in Australia they are undergoing changes in child support. If you have them over night for 53 days they dramatically reduce child support. No consideration is placed in the fact that I have lost my income to raise our child. His Mother is also a major driving force and it appears he is extremely unhappy with having to pay Child support or as he puts it " He gives me his money". He likes control but does not like responsibility and this makes it all the more difficult for me. Any advice would be great fully appreciated. We are undergoing mediation but there appears to be a current thought that Men are victimized, I just want Emily to be comfortable and get to know him. He just wants what he wants and yes this is a good way to hurt me. He does appear to care for her but I think it's more about how she makes him feel than a need to be her Father. Emily is delightful and happy child. I feel like I am fighting to protect her rights, emotional state and prevent future repercussions from being drag away by a stranger who she only has learnt to call "Dad".

Suzy

Hi,

Custody issues are very complicated. However, you need a lawyer immediately as with no court order in place he could come and take your child and until you get an order through the court there will be nothing you can do! Do not allow him to have any contact unsupervised.

In the family court the focus is on what is in the best needs of the child. The shared responsibilty focus is in name only, ie that both parent are responsible for the long term care, development and welfare of the child. This does not mean equal custody. The court will consider factors such as the childs routine, parenting abilities, support networks etc. Grandparents are considered if the grandparents have played a substantial role is the childs care but usually time with grandparents is up to the parent who is responsible for the day-to-day care at the time.

You have to get a lawyer, and if funds are an issue then apply to legal aid and they will assess your income and arrange a lawyer for you.

Regards, Miriam

is that a fact, interesting. Do you live in Australia?. Suzy

Hello, we live in Australia, and yes I would love some advice. Suzy