Urgent please help

Please help , I'm trying to look into applying for a residence order ? and I'm lost. Can't afford solicitors and I'm also in the awful situation of trying to keep the children safe with me (following an incident with their father) but I know if I should Deny to let the children stay with their dad all hell will break loose. I am scared of their dad and only trying to do what is best. Social services have told me to keep the children with me if I am concerned but it's having to sort this out and deal with it all in the meantime. I have no idea what to do.

Hi,
I applied for one over five years ago. I think things may have changed a little since then. For example it's now called a child arrangements order. You need to complete court form C100 and can be downloaded from here;
hmctsformfinder.justice.gov.uk/HMCTS/Get...?court_forms_id=2253

This link is very good and will take you through the process step by step.
www.advicenow.org.uk/guides/how-apply-co...-without-help-lawyer

I did it without the help of a lawyer, if you get stuck, just ask! Good luck

Can you apply without the other party being present ? As in gonto court on your own and they don't notify them until afterwards ?

Hi,
Generally speaking both parties should have the opportunity to attend and be heard. But there are circumstances where an urgent or without notice application can be made. When you can do this is explained on page 22-23 of the guide I sent you a link to. The C100 form should have a box to tick for this type of application and MIAM exemption. If you have any written reports from social services which would support your case for a without notice application, it might be worth sending a copy with your application.