Statement of Arrangements / Decree Nisi

I have had a letter from my solicitor confirming that my Decree Nisi has been fixed for 1st April

When I filled in the Statements of Arrangements for Children, I put down that I wanted more access and I was looking to have my daughter for 5 out of the 13 weeks of the school holidays. My x2b put in her comments that she did not agree to this and nothing else has happened as I was going to get the divorce and finances over with and then apply for more access/holidays.

My solicitor has written that "the DJ has certified that arrangements for the children summarised in the Statement of Arrangements for Children is satisfactory".

Does this mean that I will not be able to apply for more contact/school holidays after the divorce is finalised or is it just a standard comment

Statements of Arrangements for Children is just the intention and doesn't affect the ability to apply for more holidays. The important thing to remember contact is the right of the child.

unfortunately my child is only 3, (starting Reception in September) so all contact has to be agreed between us, my x2b would never let me see my daughter given half the chance. I currently see her once a fortnight for overnight contact and 45 mins every wednesday and every other monday. Do you think that if i requested a full weekend (i.e. Fri-Sun)this would be feasable, as x2b is saying that if i do that then week contact would cease but for a 3 year old i believe that seeing her father once a fortnight is not enough

I think you might be better off asking for more contact during the week rather than longer at weekends as it would keep your contact more continuous. Am I right to remember that you and your ex live fairly near each other? If that is the case, what about asking for an overnight in the middle of the week and then take her to school yourself?

My solicitor says that the statement of arrangements is just a statement of what pertains at the time and is not binding in itself. So carry on negotiating (I know your ex is not much of a negotiator). I am sure it will get easier as your daughter gets older and your ex wants a bit more freedom and time to herself.

Best wishes,
Sadie