Contravention of parenting orders

Has anyone in this group had to apply to family court for contravention of orders? Did they represent themselves and was it easy to do? After almost a year of good communication and friendliness, the other party has backflipped and has now denied visits on two occasions and the only reason we have been given for the change in attitude is because my partner has asked a few times to pick our child up early or see them for extra time (which has always been refused).
What has been your experience with contravention hearings and did the judge actually do anything about it?