Hi, I am new here and would appreciate any advice as I am in dire straits. I separated from my violent and abusive husband 6 months ago. I have a legal representative as there are children involved 19 yo son, 16 yo daughter currently residing with me and 12 yo daughter with my son are with their father. My main concerns are with my 12 yo daughter as I have had no contact with her since the separation due to his manipulation and intimidation and his threats of taking both my son and daughter out of the country or state without my consent and not know there whereabouts. We have sought family counselling only once as he will not encourage or make any effort for her to attend. I am preparing to take this to court in NSW Australia but because of her age her wishes will be given enormous relevance. My concern is that because of his intimidation she is not able to say what she really wants. He has isolated her from her sister and anyone he feels is at risk of me having contact with her. His solicitor has advised that i undergo the pre-action procedures. I don't know what that means and I cannot accept that my daughter or son will not speak to me as we had a good relationship. I feel that my legal representative is too slow and feel that there must be another way. I am so hurt and traumatized by what he has done to me and still doing with my children. Can anyone help and thanks for listening.

Hi, I am new here and would appreciate any advice as I am in dire straits. I separated from my violent and abusive husband 6 months ago. I have a legal representative as there are children involved 19 yo son, 16 yo daughter currently residing with me and 12 yo daughter with my son are with their father. My main concerns are with my 12 yo daughter as I have had no contact with her since the separation due to his manipulation and intimidation and his threats of taking both my son and daughter out of the country or state without my consent and not know there whereabouts. We have sought family counselling only once as he will not encourage or make any effort for her to attend. I am preparing to take this to court in NSW Australia but because of her age her wishes will be given enormous relevance. My concern is that because of his intimidation she is not able to say what she really wants. He has isolated her from her sister and anyone he feels is at risk of me having contact with her. His solicitor has advised that i undergo the pre-action procedures. I don't know what that means and I cannot accept that my daughter or son will not speak to me as we had a good relationship. I feel that my legal representative is too slow and feel that there must be another way. I am so hurt and traumatized by what he has done to me and still doing with my children. Can anyone help and thanks for listening.
I wish I could help, but I am only familiar with US laws. Hopefully someone who knows your country's laws will post and be able to help.
Xena