Hi, I wonder if anyone could give me any advice, I separated from my husband a year ago after a long time of trying, he kept telling me I didn’t know my own mind, he was manipulative and controlling, I had 2 children when I met him and we had another 3 together, we were together 18 years and for the majority I was a sahm, I went to work pt with him 3 years ago when the youngest started school, he is the general manager, in March this year he was charged with assaulting myself and our daughter but reached a plea bargain of threatening and abusive behaviour and is currently on a good behaviour bond waiting to be sentenced. Social work got involved and during this time he was allowed no contact with our dd (9) and social work advised no contact with our ds (12) our other ds (16) decided to go and live with his dad as he believes all the things his dad has told him ie I was having multiple affairs and am basically a bad person, not influenced by getting taken out drinking and allowed to move his gf in! Today my solicitor called to say he has applied to the courts for custody of the 2 younger children, he has had no contact with the older 2 now 22&20 since he left altho he was the only father figure in their lives for 18 years. I should have received a summons but it hasn’t come yet, court is on Thursday. He started seeing 12yo in Aug and stayed overnight for the 1st time last week, 9yo has visited once for an afternoon, he has no contact with myself everything is through solicitors, he and his family have constantly sent the 12yo memes saying things like my ex wife is a toxic bitch, has asked for info on my car, where and when I go out, how much I drink etc ( I go out rarely, occasionally have a drink but not excessively) I am really worried he is going to get custody, he earns in excess of £55k but managed to get legal aid, I have no idea how and has left me to pay the mortgage almost £1k a month even tho I am now on benefits as I didn’t go back to work after the assault as I was too afraid of him and employer refused to put anything in place, sorry for such a long post but I didn’t want to drip feed and I would be really grateful for any advice?