To think a system that gives a financially abusive dad kids because mum can't afford anymore representation in court is screwed?

[LittleOwl153]

Just that really. My friend has to go to court again this week to attempt to get her kids back - from their dad who is withholding them and keeping them out of school to do so all against a court order.

He has taken the case to court as an emergency order to change residency on made up grounds.

Friend cannot afford to have represntation having already spent a fortune on defending herself in family court, over £12k in last 12 months - she has nothing left. So is having to self represent. Last time she did this things went against her as they didn't take her seriously.

He withholds maintenance, on going battle over house. He earns big money self employed so cms finding it hard! She cannot get legal aid as financial abuse is not domestic abuse!

Hideous, so sorry for your friend. Please tell her don't go to court unrepresented in this situation - talk to Rights of Women, Refuge/ Women's Aid and Gingerbread. All have really good helplines. I went to court as Litigant in Person, my ex had a barrister costing £14k, it was just us the Judge and the clerk behind closed doors. I'm not even sure what happened was legal. There are also protocols, I only discovered after on the Rights of Women website which would have made a difference to the way I handled the whole process. Only answer yes and no or the minimum info and don't offer any additional information than asked. My case was a car crash. Don't envy anyone going through that. You can also take one person in I think which I would recommend.

Claire I keeps saying to her to get some representation somewhere. But she says she just can't afford it. He has had the kids most of the summer due to the previous stuffed court order, so she hasn't seen them for almost a month. They were supposed to be in school last week, but court case is not till late next week. It is just cruel.