Urgent directions hearing

[bus74]

I was hand served papers from my ex partners solicitor last night. It states that there is an urgent directions hearing next week.
There are no concerns about my care of the children, no Social Services involvement (except in the past when I have referred incidents of DV and harassment from him and the recent discovery of him assaulting one child as a baby that he allowed a nursery worker to be blamed for).
There is nothing on the form or his application to say he is concerned the children are at risk or at risk of abduction etc.
Contact has been paused since new year due to medical neglect resulting in my son being quite unwell 6 out of 7 last contact times from a chronic illness he has.
I have repeatedly offered a zoom conversation recorded for both our reference to discuss how to manage son's medical needs. I had also already been in contact with a mediator who invited him to take part. All ignored by him.
I only received his solicitors letter on Wednesday and haven't had chance to respond as son has been in hospital.
What happens at an urgent directions heating? Do I attend? I can't afford a solicitor and I'm not entitled to legal aid. (ex claims to have zero income and is over £4500 in debt with CMS).
Son is due to be back to hospital for a small procedure next week and I don't find out the date until tomorrow. What if it is the same time as son's procedure? Can I challenge the urgent directions hearing myself on the grounds there is no urgency under the criteria on the application?
Any advice gratefully received.

Sorry this is happening to you. It sounds like you need Iegal advice. I would honestly check again that you're not eligible for legal aid on the grounds that you experienced domestic abuse. That should make you eligible, no matter what your financial circumstances.

thanks - i'm waiting for a solicitor to ring me this morning to discuss. i have two working days to turn this around while caring for a very unwell child and working full time.

Hi OP, how did it go?

really well. self represented. judge sensible and measured. interim contact agreed with NRP agreeing to my safeguards (all i've ever asked for). final directions next. waiting for CAFCASS appointment. not too worried about that as i deal with social workers all the time and professionally work in safeguarding children. i did get 30 mins free advice who said i was one of the most balanced child focussed clients they had dealt with and that nothing i was asking for was unreasonable and that any family court judge would see that. still can't afford legal help but feeling more comfortable. i just don't understand the process and what documents i should submit when etc
thank you for asking.

That sounds really positive! Could you possibly afford a mckenzie friend? They come to court with you but aren't allowed to speak on your behalf. They can take notes and relay things to you. They also help prepare for court.

considering asking one to review my documents but had a family member in court as my mckenzie friend who can come next time as well. that has been useful in being able to go through what the judge and other side said and refresh my memory.
all unnecessary though as what ex wants is less than has always been on the table. it's all posturing and about causing me as much hassle as possible.