Family Matters

[Imnotguilty]

I have been for a fhdra hearing as I did not see my kids for 7 months. My ex emotional bullied me by keeping me seeing my kids. I did attempt suicide on 3 occasions I don't have a solicitor as can't get legal aid her solicitor has now tried to play on my PTSD from the Iraq war but has not affected me in years and getting a letter from the doctor to prove this on 18/05/18 what would be the best way to defend myself as this is a tactic her solicitor is using to deflect any blame away from her. Thanks in advance.

[EDDIE51]

All you can do is to go to the court and explain as carefully and fully as you can, why you want to see your children. A father has a legal right to have time with his children. As you say ,you can't get legal aid as it can not be given to both sides in a family court matter.
I am sorry, but the fact that you have attempted suicide and have had PTSD will be used against you.
You can apply for supervised access to your children as a first step. This will be at a local children's center run by the council. The children will be taken to the center,which is like a play group with activities for children, and you will given time with them at the center. During your time with the children you will be monitored to see how you and your kids get on together. If this is successful you can move on to full unsupervised access and then having the children to stay in your house for visits. We had to go down this route with one of my grandchildren and her father.
Family courts are very informal and will do as much as possible to help, so do not be scared of them.