Collecting my belongings

Hello I’m looking for advice on what seems to be a very complex matter.
I was never legally married in the UK but had an Islamic marriage and moved in with my ex partner in his family home earlier this year.

I lived with him for about 2.5months before a domestic violence incident in which the police attended and took him for cautioning. I did not give a statement but was told that I was no longer allowed on the property. Since then my ex partner and I tried to reconcile but subsequently he has Islamically divorced me- my Islamic marriage counts for nothing in UK law. I had full intend to do a civil marriage but due to the short time, domestic violence and mental illness of anxiety and depression I suffered I didn’t get a chance.

Since August I have been asking for a return of my belongings which I have receipts to-these are large and expensive furniture items and electronic goods such as a tv. These were never gifts to my ex partner but for our joint use being my belongings. I did call 101 to seek police advise and they stated they would attend and I should be able to get my things back. Bare in mind I am not asking for gifts solely given to my ex spouse at all. On site I was denied entry by my ex partners family and told nothing was mine. I have Been told to seek legal advice but I understand this is very lengthy and costly on my part- what options do I have?

I was told I have a strong case but if I win do they pay my legal costs? Also what if they damage or hid my belongings? I am more than happy to return the engagement ring / wedding band in exchange of my stuff but they are unwilling to return anything of mine.

Also in my Islamic marriage certificate it states there is money due to me as well as a expensive gift which they have hidden- what can I do about that?

It is a civil matter I’m told but has anyone been successful in either claiming for damages for lost/damaged goods or winning back the items?

www.stowefamilylaw.co.uk/blog/2018/08/03...n-a-landmark-ruling/

Recently an Islamic marriage was recognised as falling within the scope of English matrimonial law.

Your marriage was short but given your allegations of domestic violence you may be able to apply for legal aid to support any claim against your ex.

What can I do about my belongings? They recorded my relative take some of my clothing but the rest of my things are still there.

Is it worth pursuing in a small claims court at all?