When my X took me to court over access it backfired badly for him. He has sought to prove emotional abuse, coaching amongst other things.
He was violent towards the kids and eventually this came out but I had to work really hard and put in a complaint about our cafcass officer, in order to get the voice of the kids heard. It is that which is crucial and the family courts dont always get it right. The voice of the children needs to be heard loud and clear.
The whole thing took two years and was extremely stressful for everyone but especially the kids who really suffered with questioning. They had a guardian appointed in the end who was brilliant and really listened to them and they also had their own solicitor.
My X has ended up with very limited contact with one of his children and my two eldest taking the decision not to see him or speak to him at all. My eldest dd has not seen him for a year and a half now.
No one ever found that I had behaved badly in any respect but I was grilled all the time which was extremely stressful and my mothering skills were constantly scrutinised.
When we got divorced I had offered overnights and mid week contacts but the court case and his constant behaviour towards the case finished them off in his eyes.
They had the court reports read to them and were kept fully informed and know how his behaviour was viewed and that he lied constantly.
It has destroyed their faith in him and any chance of a normal relationship in the future.
I would never recommend the courts if there is any other way of dealing with things. The children are the most hurt by the process. I have no problem with the kids decisions and wanted them to feel a sense of control in a situation which is often decided by adults on their behalf. It was hard to achieve that until their voice was heard and listened to and until I did not present that voice and they had proper representation.
If you asked my X I would say he thought it had all backfired but that doesnt stop him sending abusive emails threatening me once again with court every time he doesnt get what he wants from the kids.