Can you husband get custody of the children?

[Demi246]

So my husband left me nearly 2 months ago. Gave me no explanation, wouldn’t see me or answer the phone. Previously in our relationship he has in arguments threatened to call social services and tell them in an unfit mother because I suffer with mild depression and anxiety for - I’m now seeing a therapist and have cut toxic family out as I can see they were the cause. I’m actually content and the happiest I have been. However 10 days in to the split because I had to cut my family off and no husband I stupidly “staged” and attempted overdose. Basically just tablets around me thinking if my brother come and he told my husband he’d at least come and talk to me. Well he didn’t and when I realised this I picked them up binned them and went to bed. Obviously no ambulance called as I hadn’t actually taken any… my brother stupidly sent my husband. He is now using this photo against me and saying he’s taking me to court for full custody of our kids. What will happen??

It doesn't sound like he would get full custody, that's very rare. I would get some legal advice though. Can you afford a solicitor?

I don’t have any money since he left :(

This is what happens when you lie and make things up to get attention. I'm betting there has been previous. Yes, your husband can potentially get full custody depending on the true ins and outs of the situation.

The photo evidence will suggest you made a suicide attempt and if your kids were at home at the time, this is past the threshold for social services to intervene. Obviously explaining that you were making it up for attention isn't going to go down well either because mature and responsible parents don't do that.

Hopefully social services will offer you support in the interim and ultimately the family courts will decide what's in the best interests of the children taking everything into account and thinking about the children's wishes if they're old enough to express them.

This

Also let's be clear if a man faked an attempted suicide to get his spouse back/ get attention everyone would say that it is abusive and coercive.

Either way getting your mental health under control and showing ss that you can provide a stable home is going to be the best way forward.

If you can't afford a solicitor try the Citizens Advice Bureau which is free.
I think the previous poster is being too harsh. I would imagine it would be v unusual for the main caregiver to lose custody if the children are well cared for and didn't witness the overdose 'attempt'.

Even pretending this sort of manipulation is bad news. A relation tried something similar and was sectioned. The threat to do it is taken as being as irresponsible as doing it.

Crack addicts and drunks still keep their kids so I wouldn’t worry about a “pretend” overdose.

I wouldn't worry about being sectioned. There are usually about 2 mental health beds available in the entire country ime. Quite often there are none at all.

This. That's messed up.

When you were expecting your brother to come to your house you put tablets around yourself and what? Lay down? Pretending to be dead? Let your therapist know this. Your soon to be ex should rightly be concerned.

Residency is child focussed, based on their best interests.

I think faking a suicide attempt is a significant problem and the children should be where they are safest.

Also, why do you not have any money? Do you not have a job? If you were dependent on your ex you’ll have to gain employment, urgently.