After an amicable split things went very wrong and my boy was weaponised by his mother. Rejection after rejection for increase in times, or for us to plan days out / events / holidays. I started with a different company that just wasn't up-to scratch, I do not believe had the correct knowledge, passion or practical approach.
I made the change to Lisa with strict instructions that we were to maintain our integrity and dignity at all times, leave nothing to be exposed and only talk in truth. Lisa promoted this too and listened to me, I felt comfort in her approach in some very hard emotional times, her correspondence and communication skills were outstanding, at no point did she ever forget there is a little 4 year old human involved in this who may read the notes one day.
Lisa continued to keep the process on track within the scope and boundaries of what was needed rather than getting pulled around and off track while still dealing with manipulative controlling advances and poor parental emotional behaviour.
After 2.5 years of my personal battle ( 18 months with Lisa ) we visited court for the final court hearing ( the court service cancelled the first final hearing due to being over subscribed hence the lengthly patient wait) where fairness was achieved with an equal 50/50 split, holidays all sorted out ( previously was blocked ) and the magistrates even requested by court order his passport to stay with me.
The only person who won on the day unknowingly was my boy, we demonstrated equality and how nobody should ever be bullied in this way. I trusted the system and it did come through but I honestly believe you need the right people, right tone, authentic approaches, practical parental plans with justification.
Lisa absolutely nailed this from start to finish, the statements we produced were exactly how I would want to approach the situation with compassion but substance, a narrative but concise, I would never have been able to write this on my own, no chance! I cannot thank her enough, she was a lawyer, she was a friend for advice, she was a councillor at times and always made sure we did the right thing, which is incredibly important to me and how I live my life.
When Lisa was on leave her team supported me with excellent knowledge, understanding and energy. Her support staff notified me and always kept me upto date with court date bookings, barrister bookings etc. The Barrister we chose was out of this world, a down to earth human who understood the legal system and the need for fairness, her approach in court was exceptional, calmly speaking but with substance and a healthy authority to guide the process through to conclusion. I have to give Lisa credit again as her due-diligence in finding the right barrister was exceptional.
While I strongly believe Lisa is a top top professional with exceptional skills and a wealth of knowledge, she is an even better human so the balance here was exactly what we needed.
Time for my boy and myself to now make memories..... secured forever. Forever grateful.
