Legal fees to help Finn

My name is Ness and I am a mother to my darling little boy Finn (now aged 8).

Myself and Finn’s dad separated before Finn was born. Finn has lived his entire life (until July 2024) with me in Harrogate and spent alternate weekends with his dad in Burnley.

Finn’s dad was arrested in January 2020 for indecent images of children but it resulted in No Further Action due to a ‘technicality’. Finn’s dad explained what the images were (folders containing cat A,B & C images - Cat A are the worst you can get). He then admitted to distributing them but was never questioned by the police about this. This caused a huge decline in my mental health and I struggled to cope with the idea of mg child (3yrs old at the time) being in the care of someone who potentially had a sexual interest in children. Im not allowed to go on about it because he’s technically not guilty (only due to system failures in my opinion).

Anyway, we’ve been through family court multiple times now. I’ve spent all my savings on legal fees (solicitor was £600 per hour & a barrister was £1200 per hearing). My wages did not cover my outgoings and I therefore have no savings left.

I have reached incredibly low points and attempted to take my own life as a result of the situation I am in.

I was accused of a crime but I was acquitted of all charges because there simply was no evidence. The allegation was relating to my mental health. During this time while I waited for a trial, Finn’s dad decided to use it against me and take Finn to live with him in a different county. Finn consistently made his wishes clear that he didn’t want to go but he was ignored. Finn’s dad collected him from school (2hrs late) on the last day before the summer hols and Finn never returned to live in Harrogate.

Finn’s new school refuse to give me any information on Finn (refused me a parents evening etc) because Finn’s dad is now his main carer and therefore makes the decisions. A social worker is involved but has told me she can’t do anything. She can only recommend getting legal advice and taking it back to court. Finn’s dad is refusing to let me have ANY contact with Finn. I call every evening at 6.30pm and again at 7pm but my calls are rejected. Finn’s dad has moved so I do not know his address.

Finn has gone from living with me to no contact at all. I’ve tried asking the social worker for help but ‘her hands are tied’. The father has refused to engage with social services and didn’t give his permission for them to speak with Finn.

I just want to see my little boy and make sure he’s OK.

Finn you’re too young for social media right now but if ever you see this I want you to know that I love you to the moon and back infinity times. I’m fighting for you darling. Please know I never gave up on you. I love you with all of my heart.