Bullied by Husband's Ex-Wife

[sukiemau]

I have an issue where my husband's ex-wife continually bullies us. They have a shared parenting agreement and she has primary residential responsibility. They make the visitation schedule at the beginning of each school year. Rather, she makes the schedule. He has to do whatever she says. We cannot afford an attorney as the last one took us for over $15,000 and did nothing for us. She has consistently interfered in his visitation. This weekend he was required to go out of town for work. She was informed ahead of time and asked to reschedule. She said he has to forfeit his time now since he could not pick her up. Is this the case?

[Dad2]

If he was suppossed to pick up her up, and he didn't, she doesn't have to reschedule unless its in the decree.
You don't need a lawyer to file a modification.
I would suggest next time, starting your own thread. You will get more replies.

[Amander]

In situations like this you need to document everything. It's also a good idea to do your requests in writing and send them certified. Because then you have evidence that she was informed that he was working and asked to reschedule or whatever the case may be. It's also a good idea to go to court with a parenting plan in hand. Some judges like to see that. There are some good ones at www.deltabravo.net You can file a modification without a lawyer. You just want to state what you want, why you want ti and how it will benefit the child. Make sure it doesn't bad mouth mommy dearest. You can basically state that because the current court order is not specific there are problems that ensue.

[HawaiiMom]

I totally sympathize with you. My husband and I are in the exact same situation with his ex too, and just seems to be getting more ridiculous as each day passes. I agree with Amander though...you need to make sure you document EVERYTHING, yet that's still no guarantee that the courts are gonna see things your way, but at least you'll have some record and/or proof. My husband's court order for visitation is so non-specific and has caused inumerable problems, but all the while the courts claim that this is okay and still falls under "best interest of the child". What a bunch of B.S.! What's interesting is that judges are supposed to award custodial custody to the parent that will facilitate a good relationship between the child and non-custodial parent, when all this does is create a sense of empowerment on the custodial parent's part, leaving the NCP completely frustrated and usually BROKE having to fight for their rights that should have been acknowledged from the beginning. My advice to you is this...stay strong, keep supporting your husband and stepkid, and document everything. And make sure you have a damn good atty whose willing to stick it to his ex whenever she violates the court order. If the ex is just making up her own rules as she goes along, eventually a judge will see this and it won't be pretty for her. Good luck to you!