"Sorry We've Moved"

It is all too common that a distraught father comes into the office, his head hanging low and his eyes bloodshot. It’s unfortunate that I can guess what’s happened without him needing to open his mouth. His story is one I hear all too often. In fact it’s so common I barely need to get the details.

It’s Thursday, a day he always looks forward too, Dad gets to see Simon, his 14 month old son his pride and joy. Things didn’t work out too well with him and Simons mum but at least Simon will be happy to see him. Dad finishes work, double checks that the car seat is secure before making the weekly hour long journey to see Simon for a precious few hours. Oddly there is no answer from the downstairs buzzer so Dad goes upstairs to the apartment. There’s a sign on the door - “Sorry we’ve moved”. He peeks through the letter box, the apartment is empty, no note, no clue, no trace.

Simon’s dad is an unmarried father. Simon’s dad never thought his partner would return to her home country. Simon’s dad never thought to make an application for guardianship of his son. Simon’s dad never thought it was that important.

Simon’s dad comes into the office, his head hanging low and his eyes bloodshot. His story is one I hear all too often. In fact it’s so common I barely need to get the details.

The importance of making an application for guardianship should not be underestimated. If you are an unmarried father then you need to apply for guardianship. If you need advice or assistance please contact me on laura[at]brophysolicitors.ie