Im going to file for Sole Custody

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-11-2004
Im going to file for Sole Custody
7
Thu, 10-27-2005 - 3:38pm

Ive made a decision to file for Sole Custody and he have visitation. It's already like that anyway pretty much, but I want it drawn up legally. Im just tired of all his games.

I hope to get the petition before Nov. 11th because that is when we go to meet with the mediator and at least I could serve him then.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-06-2005
Thu, 10-27-2005 - 4:46pm

Just be careful and know that you have to have a GOOD reason to get sole custody. Him not being there, isn't good enough in the courts eyes.


It could cost a ton and the fight may be more harsh than you have dealt with thusfar. THE ONLY difference is access to school and medica records. I wanted sole custody as well when I started this. It was explained to me by 2 attorney's that I will not get it based on "games" and such.


You can still have visitation legally set, BUT, my ex got "reasonable" visitation. Nothing specific. I do have sole custody, but that was a mistake that my XH agreed to. He still has access to school and medical records. ( My divorce hearing happened while I was in the hospital having my son, I wasn't present and my lawyer went for the gold without my approval )















iVillage Member
Registered: 11-13-2004
Fri, 10-28-2005 - 4:55am
I say GO FOR IT! I did and I was awarded sole custody of my kids, and its the best thing I could have possibly done for them since their dad is such a louse! Good luck and I hope you win!
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-11-2004
Fri, 10-28-2005 - 8:46am
Thanks for the luck. What grounds were you awarded sole custody? What did you have to prove to the judge.
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-11-2004
Fri, 10-28-2005 - 8:51am
Hey, how are you. I noticed you said for me to be careful. I need to have a GOOD reason for wanting sole custody. That him not being there arent good enough grounds. I do all the work alone, he doesnt go to dr's visits, doesnt even show an interest. When something comes up with the baby, I have to take off from work and handle it all by myself. I want him to have visitation but thus far he hasnt been involved with the medically. I mean when I told him about the baby's surgery he didnt even show up to the hospital. What would I have show to prove this. I mean will the courts only award sole custody to one parent if the other parent has harmed the child?
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-27-2003
Fri, 10-28-2005 - 9:40am

Hey there! I am good... How are you????


iVillage Member
Registered: 11-13-2004
Fri, 10-28-2005 - 7:51pm
I didn't even have to go to court. Ex lives out of state and had opportunities to contest, and he didn't. He didn't answer any of the petitions. So I won a default judgement, because ex didn't take the time to care. Now he is moving back in state, so I'll have to be ready for anything. He has been gone for 2 years and has visitation, so it is highly unlikely the courts will change things. I have been raising the kids alone for the last two years. I am sure my situation isn't typical, we weren't legally married, but he still could have sought custody if he wanted to, but I guess he thought it would be too much work. Take care, I hope things go well for you.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Sun, 10-30-2005 - 9:24am

I have sole custody.... but it was a mistake on my attorney's part when she worded it that way.


Karen ~ wildlucky4me ~