Please help settle my nerves before facing ex in court!!

[ColouredPolkaDots]

Posting here for traffic because right now I need some handholding and support.

I'm in court today facing my Ex after being granted a non-molestation order and this is his chance to contest it. I have this order because of physical abuse towards me, my DS and my niece. He pushed a door into DS's head when he was 7 months old. He also takes drugs and doesn't pay maintenance.

He's here, and turned up with 2 of my old best friends who decided I was being unfair stopping him from seeing DS despite everything that happened.

I'm sat here a huge ball of nerves so AIBU to ask for some kind words?

Hand hold here. I really hope you get the outcome you are looking for.

No real advice here - but do keep strong and keep your head up

P.s. your ex friends are dicks.

OP

You know you are doing the right thing, and not being unfair.

Do you have a lawyer with you?

You can do it! Just stick to the facts and you don't even have to look at him if you don't want to. Your son is lucky to have a mum like you fighting to keep him safe. You got this

Speak the truth, even if it to say you don’t know or can’t remember.

Oh and you don’t have to be kind to him.

The lack of child maintenance won't be considered relevant, in my experience. Focus on the drugs and physical abuse. Good luck.

Handhold for you OP

Hand hold. You’re so brave

🌷

Hope it is going well for you, OP. Have you got someone with you?

You've got this OP. Deep breaths. Don't look at him. Tell the truth. You are strong.

Deep breaths, head held high, speak clearly and factually. The order was granted for relevant reasons. He is unlikely to be able to completely overturn it. He may be granted access via a contact centre.

You are brave, you are strong. Repeat, you are brave, you are strong.

Handhold OP remember you are doing the right thing and your children will thank you for it. The "friends" are ex friends for a reason deep breath, head held high, back straight and icy cool eyes locked dead ahead - best of luck

You are doing the right thing. Be strong. Try to wait until you get home before getting upset. That's what he wants by bringing your 2 ex friends who are clearly total dicks

Hand hold for you. Keep to the facts- use any police reports of the abuse as evidence of the abuse. Be clear that you need a Non molestation order in order to prevent him from abusing you or your child any further.

You CAN do this.
Simply because are in the right.

You can do this, think of your DS

Don’t mention maintenance at all. As they view it as separate issue. Just go into it al with the facts. He isn’t safe, he poses a significant risk! Under drugs he isn’t safe ect. Wish you the best luck cx

Wow with friends like that.............

Hope it's going well OP. You're the one in the right here.

Good luck OP 💐

Be strong you can do it

I did it!! Sorry I didn't reply sooner, I was called in. I do have a solicitor thankfully, ex doesn't. I'm heading back to the car (with my mum and DS in) and can't wait to give DS a huge cuddle. Got a court date for August (!!!) as a final hearing but the order stays upheld for the time being. I came out shaking but I held my nerve, spoke clearly, and thanked the judge. My ex friends have set me on edge in terms of nerves but I don't talk to them anymore for good reason. He tried to bring one into the court with him but my solicitor objected and she had to leave so it wasn't as bad.

Thank goodness it went well! Good job OP!

When me and exh went to court I also found out who my friends are. Drop them op. Without a second thought. They aren't your friends.
Well done!!
However scarey things get, loving your ds will get you through!!
Ime!!

They could force him to have to go through hair & blood tests for his drug use & until he has done this any contact will be supervised & will carry on like that until he can prove he isn't using. Hope you get an understanding judge.