neglectfull ect.anyway now after 2 years shes has applied for the resident order..i cant afford the lawyers fees as the judge has instructed a fact finding assment over 3 days! A. I am afraid you have little choice but to go to Court and oppose your ex partner's application. If you feel that you do not wish to represent your self but cannot afford legal fees, consider instructing a direct access barrister. These barrister take instructions directly from you , so the fees can be reduced as you are not paying for both solicitors and barristers. Also you can represent yourself up to the hearing and just instruct the barrister for the hearing itself.  Information about direct access barristers can be found on the Bar Council website http://www.barcouncil.org.uk/ The Court have previously found that you are the best person to care for the children and awarded a residence order in your favour. Your ex will have to prove to a court that it is in the best interests of the children for the status quo to be changed and for the children to now live with her. This is a high hurdle to pass.  The Court will only make a decision based on what is in the children's best interests and depending upon the children's ages their views can also be taken into account. If you do choose to represent yourself, there are various support group for people without legal representation and you will find information about these services on