[addy77]

Hi,
I have a 9 year old son from my ex partner. We separated over 6 years ago. He now lives a 2 hour drive away and has him every other weekend from Friday night to Sunday night. However, my son is getting a bit older now and is missing out on friends school parties and family functions due to him visiting his dad. His father is a taxi driver and barely sees him throughout that time anyway so it his his stepmum that collects him and brings him home (poor woman). We have no legal visitations in place and he has no parental responsibility as I have managed to avoid this as he only wants it in the event of my death he will get custody as opposed to his stepdad of 6 years and he now has a 2 year old brother. Anyway, what I am asking is where do I stand legally if my son doesn't want to go? Do I have to make him go? He says he doesn't like his dad very much, and to be honest he is the most obnoxious man I have ever met. He has even been bullying his stepsons calling them 'gay', and my son told me that he said the coat I had bought him was 'chav' and that he is a 'right essex boy'. What can I do to help my son? I have always made him see his dad but he is a very mature 9 year old, but he is constantly saying he doesn't want to go. Any advice would be appreciated.

[ScottGem]

If there is no visitation schedule then there is nothing legally compelling.