My ex and I have recently split after almost 2 years together (separation), we were not married and I have a 25-month-old child from a previous relationship. Since splitting, my ex has decided that he would like visitation or partial custody of my child, of whom he has no biological link, and is now taking me to family law court over this issue.
I am fearful of him being able to get visitation as this would mean that my child would have to visit this man for many years to come, just because I had dated him for a period of time. This also concerns me as my son's biological dad may in the future change his mind about not being a part of his life, which would cause further confusion for my son.
My main concern is that the courts may rule in his favour and grant him some sort of visitation, as he will claim there is a relationship between the two of them. I am terrified that my son will now be divided between homes with a man of whom he has already forgotten about.
Lawyers have told me that he is entitled to apply for visitation or partial custody as he has played a role in raising my son. I have heard of several cases in family law where non-biological fathers have gained custody of children but never for a child so young. Can anyone give me some guidance or shed some light on this for me?
The concept of this happening terrifies me.
I am fearful of him being able to get visitation as this would mean that my child would have to visit this man for many years to come, just because I had dated him for a period of time. This also concerns me as my son's biological dad may in the future change his mind about not being a part of his life, which would cause further confusion for my son.
My main concern is that the courts may rule in his favour and grant him some sort of visitation, as he will claim there is a relationship between the two of them. I am terrified that my son will now be divided between homes with a man of whom he has already forgotten about.
Lawyers have told me that he is entitled to apply for visitation or partial custody as he has played a role in raising my son. I have heard of several cases in family law where non-biological fathers have gained custody of children but never for a child so young. Can anyone give me some guidance or shed some light on this for me?
The concept of this happening terrifies me.