My ex has told me she's planning to move to Northampton with our daughter (6) next summer. Her new partner works there and the housing is cheaper. Right now I see my daughter three nights a week and do school runs twice. If she moves, that's gone.
I don't want to be the bloke who stands in the way of a better life for them. But I also don't want to become a dad she sees twice a month. Has anyone been through relocation stuff? Does she need my permission?
Not a lawyer but my understanding is that within England she doesn't strictly need your consent for an internal move unless there's a court order, but you can apply to court if it would seriously affect your relationship with your daughter. Get proper legal advice early, a lot of family solicitors do a free first half hour.
Mediation first if you can. A move like this lands better with a parenting plan both of you have actually agreed: longer weekends, half the holidays, video calls in the week, splitting the travel. Courts like to see that you've tried.
Went through it. My son moved to Bristol when he was 7. I won't lie, it's a big change. But we've made it work with every other long weekend and half of every school holiday, and honestly the time I get now is more focused. He's 13 now and we're really close.
It's not the end of your relationship with her. But fight for a good arrangement.
Thanks Ben, that's a hopeful thing to hear. Booking a solicitor consultation and I'll suggest mediation to her this week.
If you haven't already, keep a simple record of what you currently do. School runs, nights, parents' evenings, medical appointments. If it ever does go to court, that shows what she'd be losing in terms of her relationship with you. Hopefully it won't be needed, but it's easier to note now than reconstruct later.
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