my child

[andybecky]

hi

i have 3 children my eldest is from my marriage and when i divorced i meet a man and had my two younger children, my eldests father was not in her life untill dec 2008 he now see's her once a month for 2 nights (his choice) im worried as i dont know how the law works as far as trying to keep my daughters together if i was to pass away while they are still young, my partner has raised my eldest since she was 2 (she is now 6) and she loves him like a dad please could you let me know if there are any legal steps i could take to make sure my girls stay together with the man they have been raised with and wether my ex could take my eldest from the only family she knows?
many thanks
becky

[mrs_overall]

You need to see a solicitor, make a will and specify who you want to be guardian of your children if you die.
However, even if you name your partner as the one to be guardian to your eldest, her father could still challenge it.
The Courts would take into account all the facts, including asking your daughter who she wants to live with.
Another alternative would be for your partner to legally adopt your eldest but I wonder if her father would agree to this.
If you make an appointment with a solicitor, ask intitally for the free 30 minute consultation.