Hi All, first time posting, so bear with me as this is a long one.
My better half is going through some issues with ex and family court, and issues with her ex, who is now accused of various, serious, physical and mental abuses by my better half and police are currently investigating this too.
Better half was arrested a few months ago following on from a call made to police by better half's ex's partner, accused of being drunk in charge of children, neglecting children and assault of a minor (for catching youngest daughters hair).
Released on bail, no further charges from police, social services involved etc. Cue lots of things coming up and massive exaggerations of accusations from ex partner and new partner, who now have a young baby. SS issue damning report against my better half, whose ex has really exaggerated things, whereas my better half didn't want to list everything the ex had done during their relationship and since break up.
Children were put into ex's care by SS. Ex has no PR for eldest child as not named on birth certificate, but has joint PR for Child No2.
Better half has withdrawn permission for the ex to have eldest child, but ex is refusing to return her.
Better half has spent the best part of four months looking into everything and has conclusive evidence of a bigger picture of things, which show the ex partner is controlling, abusive, using coercive control and emotional and mental manipulation of the two girls to change their memory and bring about parental alienation between the children and my better half.
Better half needs to get legal aid to be represented in family court as we cannot afford a solicitor, for what will be a very complex case, and has already filed a C100 form but is struggling to get letter from a "professional" to back up the application for legal aid for legal representation.
We are both very concerned for the wellbeing of the children involved, and the ex and new partner called in a string of welfare checks (documented and named on SS report) on my better half over a six month period, which has caused emotional and mental damage to the children, and the youngest is now absolutely terrified of the police.
Anyone who has been in this position that can offer advice on who we can turn to for help/advice/guidance is welcome to comment and message directly.
I am aware there will be strong opinions on this in the community, especially about the behaviour used by the ex, but we really need some help, and to find a way to get legal representation in court so that the full, bigger picture can be seen, and the real and absolute danger that both children are now in is seen by the judge and the children are returned to my better half's care.
My better half is perimenopausal, recently diagnosed with ADHD, and has completed alcohol support courses, and hasn't had a drink since the arrest and is keeping very much on the straight and narrow.
Please, if you can, help!