Communication

[Lindsay]

I agree with Grace that the child can be used as a middleman when a communication journal is being passed between parents, but in some high conflict situations, it may be the only option. Not having a communication system in place could result in information being passed on through the child verbally. This could be especially damaging to the child if one or both parents feels anger towards the other, and as a result messages being passed on may be negatively charged.

E-mail is a great idea, especially when the children are old enough to read, but it may be unreliable. For example, a parent could claim that they did not receive an e-mail from the other informing him/her of the child's next doctor's appointment.

Another option is communicating via Xpresspost. This does not involve the child and a signature is required upon receipt of each package. You would find yourself at the post office a lot, but at least you would be sure that the other parent is getting your information.

Good for you Chopper! Despite the lack of involement from the mother, I still think it's a good idea to keep everything written down.

Lindsay

[logicalvelocity]

Chopper,

what you have shown is you have made inquiries to the wellbeing of your children, and your inquires have gone un-answered. Your ex can always say she never saw the book, but send her a registered letter advising her that you have unanswered questions concerning the children's health and welfare and you wish her co-operation in completing the journal. Ask the un-answered questions in your letter. Moreover, send the letter by registered mail to prove she received same.

If your questions goes unanswered in the journal and in the letter, you will have at this point sufficient evidence to bring the matter to court and get yourself an order in place to deal with this issue. Your ex may have some explaining to do as to why the inquiries were not answered. Until a court orders otherwise, you do have the right to make inquires in regards the children's health and welfare, the same equal right as the other parent!

As mentioned in the Jurisprudence I cited, the courts will see the situation for what it is. Be calm, cool, pleasant and respectiveful in the communication and inquires.