Accompanied meetings only

Father has to pay to see son

The father is still a long way from this ideal situation(Bild: Wolfgang Spitzbart)

After separating from the child's mother, a father had no contact with his newborn for a long time. He won visiting rights in court, but the judge ruled that the meetings could only take place accompanied by a social worker. The man has to pay for the appointments himself - up to 800 euros a month!

Separations are usually difficult, especially when children are involved. This was also the experience of a father from the Hausruckviertel region, whose relationship had already broken down during the pregnancy. "At first I still accompanied my ex to the examinations, but suddenly she no longer wanted me there. I wasn't allowed to be there for the planned caesarean section either," says the 23-year-old.