Holiday booked for day of CSA court hearing

I have a CSA appeal coming up I am the respondent. I will be away on holiday and was told (after waiting over a year) that I will have to write in and explain and it is up to the judge whether he will go ahead as a paper hearing or make another date. If it now goes ahead without me being there, what are my chances of winning the case.

My children are now aged 19, 21 and 23 and i have not worked since 2009 and my ex is trying to claim payments from me since then. I spoke to a solcitior last year after receving the appeal document who seemed to think there was nothing he could gain as I have no income and also I have had contiuous hassle from him since our sepration with malicious phone calls and letters and turning up at my property unannouced. Should I cancel the holiday, I am reluctant to do so as I feel he is controlling me again, or do I take a chance and do it all by paper?

I must also add that he had been abusive during our relationship of many years of marriage and since 2009 have no re-married and being supported by my husband. Thanks.

A reply asap would be grateful.