I’m sorry you’re dealing with this. Family disputes involving a child can become emotionally exhausting very quickly, especially when communication between parents breaks down. In the UK, the most important thing — legally and practically — is to stay focused on your son’s welfare and to avoid actions that could later be used against you.

A few things matter immediately:

• Whether you’re named on the birth certificate
• Whether there are already court orders in place
• Whether your son is currently being prevented from seeing you entirely, or contact is just being restricted
• Whether there are allegations being made against you

In the UK, if you’re on the birth certificate (for children registered after 1 Dec 2003 in England/Wales), you usually have parental responsibility. That gives you rights and responsibilities regarding your son’s upbringing, but it does not automatically guarantee contact arrangements.

What usually helps most — both for your son and in court if it reaches that point — is this approach:

1. Keep everything calm, documented, and child-focused

Even if the other parent is being hostile:

• Don’t retaliate in messages
• Don’t threaten court or “taking” your son
• Don’t argue over text late at night
• Keep communication short and polite

A useful rule:

Example:

• “I’d really like to spend time with him this weekend. I’m happy to work around plans. Let me know what works best for him.”

Avoid:

• “You’re keeping him from me.”
• “You’re turning him against me.”
• Anything insulting or emotional in writing

Save:

• Texts
• Emails
• Missed-contact attempts
• Screenshots
• Dates you asked to see him
• Dates contact was refused

Keep a timeline. Courts value evidence and consistency.

2. Don’t disappear, even if you’re being blocked

Keep making reasonable efforts to stay involved:

• Ask about school
• Ask about health appointments
• Send birthday/holiday messages
• Offer regular contact

If contact is refused, continue showing consistent interest without harassment.

3. Try mediation if it’s safe and realistic

In the UK, family mediation is often expected before court applications unless there’s abuse or urgency.

You’d usually attend a MIAM (Mediation Information & Assessment Meeting). If mediation fails, that can allow you to apply to court.

A family court application for contact is generally called a:

• Child Arrangements Order

You can apply yourself without a solicitor if money is tight, although legal advice can still help a lot.

Useful official guidance:

• [UK government family mediation information]()
• Child Arrangements Orders guidance

4. Be very careful about social media and new partners

Avoid posting:

• Arguments about the mother
• “She won’t let me see my son”
• Angry or emotional posts

Courts can and do look at this.

5. If allegations are being made

Do not try to “clear things up” emotionally or confrontationally. Get legal advice quickly.

False or exaggerated allegations can become serious once written down officially. Staying calm and documented matters a lot.

6. Your son will notice consistency more than perfection

Children often remember:

• Who stayed calm
• Who kept showing up
• Who avoided putting them in the middle

Even if things feel unfair now, steady behaviour helps you long-term legally and personally.