Need input, WWYD???
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Need input, WWYD???
| Sun, 09-14-2008 - 7:21pm |
So I'm really starting to feel like everything is for the convenience of STBX and that when all is said and done I'm going to get the big screw. Let's see if I can put this all into words, where it makes sense and I can get my point/feelings across.
Some background....STBX doesn't have his license due to DUIs. That didn't stop him from driving until I filed for divorce. He's now afraid he'll get caught (because his alcoholism & driving were mentioned in the filing paperwork), go to jail and lose his job (which is a very good, white-collar job). In reality, this probably would happen if he got caught. He seems to have

I am sending you tons of hugs.
Emom13
I'm a lawyer and I don't even know whether agreeing to joint legal custody on the temp order would make it harder for you to move out of state.
If you have sole physical and legal custody in MI, you can move without your exh's consent. Otherwise, you need either his consent or permission from the court. MI isn't as bad as some states when it comes to moving out of state. I was able to do it fairly easily, although I didn't move far and we still had a very generous visitation schedule.
I think it's worth fighting out now if you are going to do it. It will be harder to change the status quo later. You will need lots of documentation of his lack of participation and his drinking. I am concerned that he will be drinking and driving with the kids in the car. Are you taking the kids over there for their benefit? Do you think they are benefitting from it? If he has family in the area, or there is public transportation, you aren't responsible for doing all of the driving. Have a long talk with your lawyer about how best to approach this to maximize your chances of getting sole legal and physical custody.
Good luck. This is hard stuff.
Cat
Cat
Mom to 5: DS-17, DD-16, DD-11, DD-9, DS-7
Honestly, I don't think there is any benefit to them....to go stare at the TV and eat frozen pizza?!?! And today my older child got in trouble at school. I cannot help but think it's related to him seeing STBX yesterday. I've been working SOOOO hard with him on his behavior, all summer really, because he did have problems last year esp after STBX moved out (and basically disappeared). So far this year he's been a dream...then one day with STBX and he gets in trouble. I dunno, could be a coincidence, but I cannot help but wonder.
Oh, and the kicker, I get an email from STBX saying he needs to postpone the hearing on Friday because it's not a good day for him to be gone from work. Can he do this? I can't help but think the judge is not going to care about his personal or work schedule when it comes to court times/hearings. Am I wrong?
I didn't get to talk to my attorney today. I was a little annoyed I hadn't heard from her so I called at about 4:45 p.m. They said she was preparing for trial tomorrow and I had to leave a message. So
I can truly empathize with you with taking care of everything.