I have also been through this. Three years my case went on, so similar to the replies so far. It's very spooky because at the time you think you're the only one going through it etc yet everyone's story seems so familiar.
I always remember the judge who presided over my case, every directions hearing he would say "yes, yes Mr.Fuckface, I understand you are frustrated and hurt" , and just falling short of hugging him 
yet the judge at the finding of fact found against him and basically he was a fucked up psycho. I remember being so angry that all the findings were practically ignored and I was made out to be the one in the wrong.
I was dragged through drug tests, accused of sending the kids to schol with no shoes on, not feeding them, DNA tests right at the end of the hearing (as a last ditch attempt to give him a legitimate excuse to give up) as if I would have gone through those three years if my do we're not his 
Even though the whole case should have been about him proving he could be a good dad and be trusted with contact, instead it became all about making me out to be a bad parent, all of which the judge went alon with, until CAFCASS said hang on, we are not reporting etc until mr. Fuckface completes the things set out by the finding of fact hearing - psych assessment, domestic violence perpetrator programme, accept and understand what he'd done and write Xmas cards and letters to dc to ease him into the contact he apparently so badly wanted.
The upshot being when CAFCASS went to his house he just gave it all up. Never did find out the exact reason or what went on but it came down to : either do the orders or give up.
The tears of relief, unbelievable.
Aargh sorry tis so long!! 