Abusive ex-husband and bullying court order

CliffordSquirrel

After 11 years of emotional, verbal and financial abuse I fled the family home in Surrey with 2 young children. My husband was arrested and released on 3 months bail.

I am now living with parents in Oxfordshire and have transferred my eldest child into a local primary school. 

I have been issued a without notice child arrangement order as well as a prohibited steps order notice, with a court hearing taking place in 3 days’ time.

My husband who can only speak to my father due to bail conditions refuses to accept the situation and requests that we return to the family home. 

My question is  - is it advisable to attend court without a solicitor as it is the first hearing or do I need a solicitor? I have been quoted costs of £7k just to adjourn the initial hearing. 

theoretica

There are a number of specialist charities which may be able to offer legal advice - or even support.  I suggest you try to find one with time to talk to you.

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/family/gender-violence/domestic-violence-and-abuse-getting-help/

Ms_Chocaholic

How many solicitors have you contacted, £7k seems steep.

In terms of your allegations, have you reported any of these to the Police or other agencies in the past.

Have you had Social Services involvement previously.

What has your husband been arrested for? Is it for the alleged emotional/verbal/financial abuse? Just because he is on bail does not mean he will be convicted.

By moving the children away from the area then you are effectively preventing him having a relationship with them.  Do you have plans to return to the area?

Ms_Chocaholic

Just to add you could try and get a McKenzie Friend to attend Court with you, unsure if you will be able to with such short notice however, but the MF won't be able to address the Court though can advise you.  Family members aren't allowed in the Court with you.

Ms_Chocaholic

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McKenzie_friend

marcia_

CliffordSquirrel said:

After 11 years of emotional, verbal and financial abuse I fled the family home in Surrey with 2 young children. My husband was arrested and released on 3 months bail.

I am now living with parents in Oxfordshire and have transferred my eldest child into a local primary school. 

I have been issued a without notice child arrangement order as well as a prohibited steps order notice, with a court hearing taking place in 3 days’ time.

My husband who can only speak to my father due to bail conditions refuses to accept the situation and requests that we return to the family home. 

My question is  - is it advisable to attend court without a solicitor as it is the first hearing or do I need a solicitor? I have been quoted costs of £7k just to adjourn the initial hearing. 

 People who have suffered domestic violence can get legal aid outside of a means test. 

sheramber

Have you contacted Women’s Aid?

They may be able to give you advice.

MEM62

Ms_Chocaholic said:

How many solicitors have you contacted, £7k seems steep.

Probably the Barrister's cost - not the solicitors.