Kids taken away

[Cobble33]

After 7 years of nearly joint custody I have 6/14 nights my boys mother has cut access.
my eldest is 14. He decided to stay at mine after a long weekend, I felt it was right he made his own decision but his mum didn’t like it, they both had a big argument on our doorstep. He stayed, but I was told later that day he’d been staying with her along with my 8 year old.
i haven’t paid CMA as it was agreed I would always pay what’s needed towards uniform, clubs, they have their own wardrobe at mine.
Now a CMA Order has suddenly come in.
I really would love advice, I’ve always contributed to my children as if they were with me full time, I feel my son is old enough to make a decision but unfortunately all rights still fall to the mother. Any advice gratefully appreciated

You can contact the Children's Legal Centre and Gingerbread has a good helpline.

If you've always paid equally, then I'm not sure why going through CMS is a problem. You could go to court for access, although a 14 year old is old enough to decide for themselves.

What did your solicitor say?

Absolutely can’t afford a solicitor. Otherwise I’d have taken their mother to court already. Unfortunately whilst we live a comfortable life we are month to month financially, so no money to pursue legally. It’s very unfortunate

represent yourself?

you pay the court fee and represent yourself - what have you got to lose?

I think if the mother is stonewalling you, it’ll need to be the courts if you can get the money together.
The judge would definitely take into consideration how your eldest feels (and even the younger one). Not sure if Legal Aid would apply here, but I doubt it.

It's £232 to apply for a CAO. You can represent yourself as a litigant in person. There may be a legal clinic near you and I've already given you resources where you can get free advice.

There’s no point going to court for 50/50 just because she has gone for maintenance

Do what’s in the best interests of the kids

Represent yourself. It's really easy to do.