Ex attempting to reduce access.

Myself and ex split up in 2012, we were cohabiting and have 2 young children. Split was very fractious due to the fact that my ex went for sole custody & guardianship. No grounds whatsoever, I am and have been a fully engaged father and with no other issues like drink, drugs, violence etc.. It was just a spite & control thing. I fought extremely hard for custody and her solicitor waged what can only be described as a nasty & evil war to get a reaction from me. Real Neanderthal stuff. I think solicitors are under the impression that every man is a potential Alex Baldwin. They failed miserably and they rolled over on the steps of court. She got exactly what she would have if the parties had sat down and talked. Only difference was that 80% of the settlement she got went to pay her legal bill. She effectively bankrupted the family for no benefit to anyone, except the legal profession. Same old. My access was fairly reasonable, every second weekend from Friday to Monday morning and overnight every Wednesday. This works well, the kids only live 2 streets away and are super happy, they adore spending time with their dad and their mum. To be fair here, my ex is a wonderful mother to the kids, she's just a terrible parent and doesn't value or accept the role of a father in a child's upbringing.

I received a registered letter on Monday, she's taking me back to the circuit court and attempting to remove Wednesday access. Wednesday access is hugely important, like normal family time and I get to do the homework with them, which is an important link with their schooling. My ex doesn't give me any feedback re their schooling so losing Wednesday is a huge issue for me. I never ever want to be just a weekend dad.

I can't afford a solicitor or a barrister so will be defending myself. I have some questions. The recent child and family act is supposed to be centred towards the voice of the child and their welfare. Is there any guideline or precedent I can use in my defence. The only reason I can see for this is that Wednesday access no longer suits my ex. She has had 3 years with this and hasn't complained before, apart from the rare occasion when I was late for pick up due to circumstances beyond my control. She recently moved her boyfriend in and my gut feeling is that she's just trying to reduce the connection I have with the children.

Not wishing to go against the wishes of my children. I asked them (in a friendly way) if this was their idea in the first place and was it what they wanted. They are nearly 8 (twins), both strong and independent characters who know their own mind. They said no, it was the first time they heard of this. My son said categorically that he wanted to stay on Wednesdays. He actually woke in the night, hysterical and really upset. I promised him I wouldn't let this happen. The conversation with my kids was recorded on my phone. Can I bring the recording to court and use it in evidence or should I just send it to the other party and her solicitor in the hope they will drop it. My next door neighbour was in a similar custody battle, in that case the judge requested to speak to her son who was 10 to get his views on what his wishes were. I really don't want my children exposed to the legal system if I can help it, but I will fight this tooth and nail.