Desperate single mum. Need legal advice but cannot afford it.

[Renarde1975]

Ok. Need help MN.

I'm a former teacher. I cannot work because my mental health means I cannot ever go back into that profession.

I left my ex. (Together 18 years) because of his abuse. I was desperately unhappy. He was cold, manipulative and at times violent. We agreed shared custody (50/50) of children.

Time goes on and he met someone new. I was happy for him. I also met new people. I geuinely thought that to keep the peace for the two children to keep as much as i could do, on an even keel. Fuck me. Was I ever wrong.

I've had a horrendous time this past few years (raped and reported). It began to chip away at me. It all became way too much and in March I took an overdose. This neatly coincided with the Absolute coming through. He was still manipulating me.

Despite me being a good mum, he used this opportunity to take the children citing i was unfit because I was unstable.

I lost my job. My house. My money. All I have is my cats. I'm unable to work so am on UC.

I agreed with the family court to a temporary living arrangement at my ex's house. I recognised not that I was not able to parent effectively but that my accommodation was not right for the kids.

So, a month ago, received the S7 from CAFCASS. It's full, rammed full of bias. For example, the author whilst interviewing me, takes me through the DV questionnaire. I talk about how i was raped by another man and threatened with rape by my ex as well as being physically assaulted. This was recorded by the police thank god. Bit of course, at that point, I cried.

What comes out in the report is that 'at one point she becomes highly emotional' and it was 'difficult to keep her on track' but no mention of what made me cry. I'm a scientist. A physics professional. I'm beyond gutted that she took me through that and twisted it for an agenda. Its madness. But there is CAFCASS for you.

The ex then drops a massive bombshell yesterday. He's left his job and is relocating AND taking the kids. The final hearing is April. New place is five hours away.

I only gave my permission to temp residency at his own house near me.

I dont believe he can take them in Jan and I believe he's violating the court itself. I perceive it's actually contempt of court as he is now violating the court order.

Please help. Im desperate. My children need me.

Oh dear, can you speak to the citizens advice or apply for legal aid as you've been through abuse. You need to get legal advice about the court order.

Family Rights Group, call them first thing tomorrow.

How old are the dc? He can't take them to relocate with out your permission, depending on age.

Make an urgent application on a c2 for a prohibited steps order. Due to the abusive behaviour if you have discussed with your Gp you should qualify for legal aid. Lawyer up and quickly. What area do you live in I might be able to recommend someone.

Alternatively you could try Families Need Fathers, which actually gives advice to all and not just fathers.

You really need to speak to someone urgently, Is it a new jiv ex is gipoing for ..

Thankyou all for your advice. I will do as has been suggested.

Facts are these. DD is 11 DS is 9. Just got off phone from ex. It is indeed a job and whilst I understand his logic, having lived in the next county, I know damn well how insular life can be and especially up there. He is obsessed with money because when he grew up, he had none.

I'm a northerner. I love the north but id never go back. Or at least i wouldn't until now. If I lose, then I must go. This means leaving the man I love, totally uprooting. I cannot let my children grow up without their mother.

@2018 I'm in Berkshire, close to Reading.