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Hello all, this is my first post so please bear with me if I ramble.
Me and my ex-partner had a child together, throughout the pregnancy and his early life we had some problems between us but we also had good times too, but eventually we did split up. After we split I was allowed access with my son for around 2 months, until one day my mother came to visit family in my area, so I wanted to take my son to see her, only for my ex to throw a wobbly, destroy my phone, physically attack me and in the end call the police, al due to the fact I simply wanted to take my own son to see his grandmother and aunts.
The police gave me a card with a number for domestic abuse support as they felt I was not in the wrong, despite this, they asked me if I could leave the property and take any possessions I may have left there. They also asked that I didn't contact her for a little while. I thought this may have been a good idea as it could give her time to calm down.
After about a week, I tried to get in touch with her so I could see my son. I was immediately rejected from the call, which lead me to believe she had blocked my phone. As it had turned out, she had blocked me on Facebook as well. I went to her house to find out what was going on only to find she had moved out of the house without telling where she had gone, or when.
Since then I've tried to get in touch with her, her family and her friends, no one spoke to me. I then called the police, who said they could not help me. Citizens Advice told me I need to go to court, but I am unable to pay the costs, but I am also ineligible for Legal Aid.
I would really appreciate if someone could give me a bit of advice as I feel I'm at an impasse. I desperately need to see my son, I can't help but get emotional every day, usually resulting in tears or outbursts. Please help me.
Thank you for taking the time to read this,
Best regards,
Damon Mackins.
Hi Damon
I'm sorry to hear that you are having so much trouble and the distress this is causing you.
Are you named on the birth certificate? This is important as if you are then this means that you have Parental Responsibility.
Unfortunately Legal Aid is no longer available for family law cases, although if you are on a low income or receiving benefits you may be entitled to funding for mediation. However you would need to know their whereabouts before mediation can be arranged.
If her family and friends will not help you, the only other option is to apply to court for a seek and find order. You can do this without a solicitor but you would need to pay the application fee. If you are on a low income you can apply for a full or part exemption from the fee.
It might help you to attend a Families Need Fathers meeting in your area, where you will get face to face adcice and support. Here's a link to their website
www.fnf.org.uk/help-and-support-2/local-branch-meetings
All the best.
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