going for full custody

Hi all,
Im needing some advice, Im going for full custody of DD1, her father is a joke, hes in and out of prison, very violent, a drug user the list goes on and on! I got a threatening msg from him the other day informing me he was out of prison and wanted to see his daughter (shes 5 on sunday he hasnt seen her since she was 2) and if i didnt comply he knows where i live (i hope to god he doesnt!)
Anyway ive been a nervous wreck since with every car that goes past so ive decided its time to take the plunge and get full custody although it wont stop him trying to take her i have rights then.
So I am looking for a solicitor that does legal aid funding, i have an appt set up with one who very highly recommended but as i dont have a mediation certificate its still almost 300 for our first appt and i just dont have that kind of money atm, so who else is free for the first appt and do legal aid?
Do I have to do mediation? Can i refuse? Will it look bad on me if i do? The reason i ask is its not safe for her to be around him, he will take off with her, he is violent towards her and she was sexually abused in his care (still unsure if it was him or his brother that did it) I cant risk mediation or i will lose her
Sorry this is so long I just really need some help and advice when going for full custody, also will I have to see him in court, can they see us seperatly after all he has put me through Im not sure if i could handle coming face to face with him.
TIA

What ever you do keep a record of ALL messages, phone calls etc.

I hope you have a silent number and it might be worth changing your mobile no.

VLA Legal Information Service
Contact the Victoria Legal Aid Legal Information Service for free general information over the phone about the law and how we can help you. It’s open Monday to Friday, 8.45 am to 5.15 pm.
Call us on (03) 9269 0120 or 1800 677 402 (country callers).

Give them a call and see what they say.

HTH :)

Go and see Victoria Legal Aid in Ballarat. If they have a conflict of interest they will refer you elsewhere.

Good luck.

Hi,

I don't have any advice but just wanted to say good luck and send you :hug:. I hope you get the outcome you're looking for so your family will continue to be safe and happy.

Do save the messages and show them to the solicitors.. Pretty much don't delete anything and get a book and record everything from him trying to call leaving voicemails etc etc!!!

I wish you all the best!! A friend of mine is going through the same thing at the moment its heartbreaking!

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Go and see Victoria Legal Aid in Ballarat. If they have a conflict of interest they will refer you elsewhere.

Good luck.

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i know for sure there is a conflict of interest but thanks ill see if they will refer me


thanks to everyone else whos relpied so far

OMG :hug: I seriously wish you success on this.

If he's been violent to you can you not put a restraining order against him? Re what happened to your little girl, was anything documented? Surely that would be reason enough?

No advice just big hugs hun.

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OMG :hug: I seriously wish you success on this.

If he's been violent to you can you not put a restraining order against him? Re what happened to your little girl, was anything documented? Surely that would be reason enough?

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there was a restraining order in place which was actually put on him on behalf of the police i didnt have a choice after what he did to me was so serious one time but as he technically hasnt done anything in there eyes i have not been able to extend it unfortunately

Re my daughter nothing was documented as the local police said the word of a 2 1/2 year old is unreliable :wall: