Child Custody Taken Away - What Can Be Done?

My question involves a child custody case from the State of: Florida.

Me and my wife seperated in 2004. We have established joint custody of our son back in 2004. We went to trial a few months back and since my soon to be X stated we couldnt get along, she wanted full custody. Which she was awarded.
Since my son's birth, I have been there with all the bills, etc. etc. and play a very active role with my son as well. Coaching all his sports, etc. Everyone agrees that I am a very good father with my son.

My question is, how could the Judge rule in favor with my wife when I have played such a major role in his life to date? Joint custody would have been fine, since I realize that all children need contact with the other parent as well.

When I speak to my attorney (who is very passive to begin with) says theres not much that can be done. Is this true?

Just doesnt seem fair. It's like I'm being stripped out of my son's life.

Thanks Bob

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Quoting BobKnuck

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My question involves a child custody case from the State of: Florida.

Me and my wife seperated in 2004. We have established joint custody of our son back in 2004. We went to trial a few months back and since my soon to be X stated we couldnt get along, she wanted full custody. Which she was awarded.
Since my son's birth, I have been there with all the bills, etc. etc. and play a very active role with my son as well. Coaching all his sports, etc. Everyone agrees that I am a very good father with my son.

My question is, how could the Judge rule in favor with my wife when I have played such a major role in his life to date? Joint custody would have been fine, since I realize that all children need contact with the other parent as well.

When I speak to my attorney (who is very passive to begin with) says theres not much that can be done. Is this true?

Just doesnt seem fair. It's like I'm being stripped out of my son's life.

Thanks Bob

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Its tough to understand why the judge didnt recognize teh status quo, which tends to be a big factor in judgements. But if the judge truly believes that the two of you dont get along, then its may not be in the best interest of teh child if there is a commuication, behavioral problem between the two of you that might affect the child. Just my opinion though.

Was temp joint custody awarded before the final decision? What is your schedule with your child based on the decision?

Yes, joint custody was awarded, but that was in 2007 until the trial.
And yes we get along just fine (my and my X) She is always calling me to fix her computer...this and that.
With my X I think it was more of a money thing and the judge did not recognize it.
Visitation now is, I can take him to dinner every Tuesday and Thursday and be back at her house by 8pm and I will have him everyother weekend. Its sucks going from 50/50 to this.
I would think there has to be a way to revisit this?? I could see if I was a father that was not involved, but I was heavily involved in his life. That part the judge did know.

Quote:

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Quoting BobKnuck

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Yes, joint custody was awarded, but that was in 2007 until the trial.
And yes we get along just fine (my and my X) She is always calling me to fix her computer...this and that.
With my X I think it was more of a money thing and the judge did not recognize it.
Visitation now is, I can take him to dinner every Tuesday and Thursday and be back at her house by 8pm and I will have him everyother weekend. Its sucks going from 50/50 to this.
I would think there has to be a way to revisit this?? I could see if I was a father that was not involved, but I was heavily involved in his life. That part the judge did know.

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How long ago was the order issued?

If it was less than 30 days, ask your attorney about the possibilty of filing an appeal.

It has been more than 30 days because the judge seperated the custody and the financial part. And for the financial part, we went to court back in Feb. and she still hasnt ruled. Its been almost 6 months with no ruling.
The child custody part was ruled in Dec last year.

I was hoping once she ruled on fiances, then I could do something, but not sure.
I know to appeal is very expensive.