help in a custody hearing.

[lolmason]

My sons Dad has had no contact for over 6 yrs and now he has finally been forced to pay by the csa is taking me to court for rights. He was granted a contact order yrs ago which he broke and stopped all contact. I am a full time mum/student and work part time, I've seen a solicitor yet I can not pay the kind of money they're asking. I've been told to represent myself but the thought of it petrified me. Are there any other alternatives out there or anyone that can help me. Its a complex case with a history of violence etc but apparently as its been over 3 yrs its irrelevant. I'd really appreciate any advice or help from anyone. Thanks

[prh47bridge]

I'm assuming the thread title is wrong and that this is about contact. If he is actually after residence after 6+ years of no contact he has no realistic chance of success.

You can (and should) start with mediation. If you can agree something between you with the help of a mediator that will be better than going to court. If it does end up in court they will be interested in what is best for your son. After 6 years of no contact it is very likely that any contact ordered will be indirect initially, e.g. letters, cards or presents.

Was he violent to your son?

[lolmason]

I dont actually know what he is asking for. I had no contact till I was served on my door with a court order for 2 weeks time. It states my sons name but not what hes asking for. There was violence towards my son when he was very young and his father was still under supervised access by social services. However after contacting them as its been so long apparently the files have been archived.