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Finally got a date for my first hearing.
I'm self litigating and have appointments booked for free legal advice. I have a flat of my own, surgically clean and tidy since there's nothing in it really! Recently she has allowed my mum and sisters to see my daughter, but has put constraints on this, foremost being no contact with me.
Basically what I want to know is what should I expect? She claims to have legal aid since I was 'abusive' (emotionally, as she puts it but tends to leave this out) I thought legal aid was for domestic violence only? The police were called once when she informed me at the door she was kicking me out, and rang the police because I was drunk, 2 officers came, said I appeared perfectly sober, but agitated, asked if I had somewhere to go and let me leave. Surely this doesnt warrant legal aid?
Should I be waiting for delaying tactics? CAFCASS maybe? She's already stated that she won't be allowing HER daughter into my flat until shes inspected it personally, which I know is stupid.
As an aside, she sent divorce papers claiming I have been party to an affair since the beginning of last year, and claims to have proof. Which she cant have because Not once have I committed adultery, even now 6 months along, I stay away from anything that could be considered adulterous. Am I within my rights to just send the papers back or ignore them?
Thanks in advance.
Domestic violence can be defined by several factors which, according to the government site ( https://www.gov.uk/guidance/domestic-violence-and-abuse) can include psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional abuse. To qualify for legal aid I believe one of the criteria is that you have visited your doctor and shown that the abuse has affected your life in a detrimental way. For example if someone is taking antidepressants as a result of domestic violence I assume they qualify. The doctor must then write a letter that shows this for someone to qualify for legal aid.
I recently qualified for legal aid which I believe is rare for men. It takes a while to get the ball rolling (in my case two months) but it is possible. I'd suggest that any men who are victims of DV visit their doctor immediately and explain the affect it has had on their lives.
Well that shouldnt be too difficult for some who convinced everyone she had bipolar disorder for over ten years. I only found out her lie when a letter from perinatal psych said shed never been assessed, never mind diagnosed.
Its nice that it doesnt matter whether I was abusive or not, only that shes a good enough liar to get her doctor to sign a letter.
Thanks for the reply, its much appreciated.
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