MissingMyBoy - How awful for you. My dh was stopped from seeing his daughter and had to go through the Courts. He ended up representing himself as we couldn't afford solicitors, and you're right - it's fine and they're actually quite sympathetic to the fact that you can't afford a solicitor but are still prepared to be in Court. It's not like you've done anything wrong is it.
I think Aloha, as usual, is giving really good advice. Just keep plugging away, show your commitment to continuing contact and involvement with your child and just make sure everything you do is in their best interests.
Maybe as your little boy gets older his mum might appreciate sharing his care with you a bit more. She might want to have a day out shopping on her own, or go back to work part-time.
What I would say is jump through whatever hoops the Courts ask you to do. My dh didn't see his dd for 2 years then had to see her while being observed in a contact centre. It was outrageous that he had to do that, while his x-partner and her family were being considered for the at risk register. However, he did what he was asked and instead of the child not knowing him or being upset, as her mother said she would be, all they saw was a little girl very excited and happy to see her Daddy. By jumping through all their hoops he proved to the Courts his commitment to his child and showed that he would do anything just to have even a couple of hours with her.
We now have lots of contact, every 3rd weekend and half of the school holidays, and things with the x are much more settled. So take heart, as things do improve they just take time. Stick with it and good luck.
And welcome to Mumsnet - stick around as despite the name we do allow men on here!