Hello,
Two children here (both under 5), ex left when the youngest was born. Working full time, 7am to 7pm with commute.
I am foreign to the UK (exH is British). Ex is not involved apart from contact once a quarter when he feels like it, and occasionally reporting me to social services with totally bizarre made-up allegations (starving the children, socialising in paedophile circles etc). First few times were very stressful, now I think they understand it is malicious reporting. Still, I am "known to social services" and receive all the attitude that goes with it when talking to any government official and they see a flag on the system.
Ex is relatively wealthy, but does not pay maintenance as his income is not a salary and the child maintenance service could not do anything about it.
I am banned from crossing the UK border with the children as ex fears abduction and had secured a prohibited steps order. I tried appealing it earlier this year to go on a holiday, but with no luck - and I cannot afford legal representation to the same extent as my ex, he has a QC representing him.
I feel a bit low now as for some weird reason my mum was refused a renewal of their visitor visa to the UK (£1.5K+ legal fees down the drain, and I got worried I won't be able to see her for a long time with the re-application and all, and she is not getting younger).
Can you please help me to remember what is good about my life? I have no free time, no money (good professional wage, but all goes towards childcare costs), no family close by, feel trapped in the UK (which is not the worst country in the world by any account, but still). I just need a good kick up the bum please, to stop this festival of self-pity.