Hi everyone, my name is stacie, I am new here. I am definitely not going to go into my whole history as it would take forever to type (although afterwards maybe I could print it and send it to Lifetime for a mini series LOL)

Here is a summary of the background:

Almost a year ago my son's father and I split (we were never married), he had a severe drinking problem, was extremely verbally/mentally abusive and began getting more and more aggressive (throwing beer bottles, punching holes in the wall, breaking things) the night we split, the police were called, he was very drunk we got in a fight when I told him I wanted to break up he proceeded to put a gun to his head in front of my then 3 year old son.

I obtained a 2 year no contact protective order against him (EVERY attorney I have ever spoken to say I am the ONLY case they have heard of where a full no contact protective order has been issued when there was no actual physical abuse. (there were other crazy things my ex did that day that really don't matter to this)

So I get the protective order, he appeals it, we go to court, I still have the protective order, he violates it and we go to court again, still obviously have the protective order.

I had filed for sole custody and for child support (temporary custody was obviously given to me in the protective order). He has not paid one cent in child support and has decided to cross petition for sole custody.

I could not afford the retainer for an all day custody hearing, lost my lawyer. have not been able to afford ANY lawyer, the "free" lawyers I could have gotten didn't work out.

I went this past Tuesday to try and get a continuance, it was denied, so I am going to be in court tomorrow with no attorney, fighting for my son by myself. I am absolutely terrified!!!

In the last 2 days I was able to obtain ALL the evidence I needed AND the deputy who came to the house that night OFFERED to testify on my behalf. I have gotten proof he hasn't paid child support, I got the original pictures the deputy took of his guns, AND I got proof that FOUR DAYS before the initial custody hearing in january took place he had gone in asking if a "friend" could pick up his guns.

I am so terrified I am going to freeze up and not know what to say.

Based on this summary, please tell me I don't have anything to worry about and that I won't lose my son

Thanks for listening, and if you have ANY advice, I am definitely open to hearing it!!!!

Hi there really sorry you are going through this horrible time, not only is it effecting you but also your child. Dont worry about being in court, you sound like a caring mum and this will come out in court, just be yourself and natural. The court will see this and i am very sure you have nothing to worry about loosing your son. Just be yourself, relax and try not let him get to you. Good luck