Should I Apply To Remove Father as Guardian, or Apply For Parental Order
I am thinking of applying to remove the father of my 2 girls as Guardian. Or should I try mediation again, or apply for parental order. I am leaning towards removing him as Guardian, as he scares me, and I really don't want to go through the stress of waiting for resolution like I did 4 years ago.
##Why
My daughter (9yrs) has nuero-diverse tendencies. When she was at kindy, she had specialists working with her through kindy. Her outbursts aren't as often now, but they can be uncontrollable once she passes a threshold. I have taken her to see the doctor in the past. They suggested she gets counselling through school.
Last year, her school put her on a waiting list for Mana Ake, she got accepted 2 weeks ago. Last week, her dad gave his consent. On Monday, he made a complaint to the school, and pulled his consent.
##The Facts
He moved out 2018-2019
He hasn't spent anytime with the girls since October 2023
I applied for mediation in 2021, & 2022. He never responded to it. I have a text message to say that he will hide from them
I completed Parenting Through Separation Course 2021
I have messages of him skirting his responsibilities when he did have contact
He refused to have them overnight, and would pick and choose when it suited him
He pays $120 a week for two girls
All school expenses, uniforms, extra circular activities I pay for
He does send them gifts in the post
He is not allowed near me due to his aggressive behaviour in the past.
No protection order is in place, but the cops have spoken to him about keeping away from me.
His violent/stalking behaviour stopped after the cops spoke to him
He has a drug and alcohol problem
His eldest daughter, who has a child, is willing to write a letter
I work full-time, and have no support about from my eldest son. They're in after-school care, and holiday programme
I have the girls 24/7
His eldest daughter, and her mum have both said he's been diagnosed with schizophrenia. But I have no way to prove that, so have asked her not to include that in her letter.
I have made an appointment with my daughters doctor, to see what options are available without her dad's consent. I'm thinking there will be none.
I haven't bothered pursuing any Parental Order over the last 3 yrs, because life has been good. My 10yr old even mentioned the other day how lucky they were, cos of all the cool stuff they get to do.