Results 1 to 6 of 6

Hybrid View

  1. #1

    Default Shared Parenting and Counseling

    My question involves a child custody case from the State of: Ohio. My children's mother and I have a shared parenting order. We were never married, I'm the custodial and she has weekly visitiation. Just received a letter from my health care provider agreeing to counseling for our oldest child [8]. We have never talked about this. This is not a joint decision, this is her's alone. I spoke with both of our children and they said it wasn't their idea. Both children are well-adjusted and doing well in school, if I felt the services were needed I wouldn't have a problem but I see this as little more than another ploy in her attempts to regain custody. I provide healthcare for our children and nothing was mentioned in the court about sharing expenses. I didn't ask or received CS from her. Is this something I have to go along with? I have a HSA so I'm responsible for costs of services until the deductable is met. Is it reasonable to expect her to split the cost of these sessions? Is it reasonable to be a part of the counseling sessions for our children? Would the counselor have to comply with this request? Thanks in advance.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Location
    Somewhere near Canada
    Posts
    35,894

    Default Re: Shared Parenting Question About Counseling

    Have you talked to Mom about this instead of asking the children?

    Is there a reason you want to be present during the counseling sessions?

  3. #3

    Default Re: Shared Parenting Question About Counseling

    She obviously isn't interested in my opinion or she would have consulted me. She knows I'm probably going to question the need for services and may not agree in pursuing the matter. Seeing how she's already contacted a provider it's somehwhat of a moot point. Being joint legal custodian I want and need to be involved with any services my children receive. I would like to have input and receive any input they would have on their well-being. I'm not saying I need to go to all or any of the sessions but I would like to speak with the counseling to give my side of the story and hear what they have to say about the situation.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Location
    Somewhere near Canada
    Posts
    35,894

    Default Re: Shared Parenting Question About Counseling

    You were actually answered by an Ohio family attorney (and GAL) here.

    I understand the desire for a second opinion but since many responders "cross-post" in the various legal forums it would seem that you're getting your answers there.

  5. #5

    Default Re: Shared Parenting Question About Counseling

    Quote Quoting Sonatina
    View Post
    I'm not saying I need to go to all or any of the sessions but I would like to speak with the counseling to give my side of the story and hear what they have to say about the situation.
    Just out of curiousity, why must there BE any "side of a story"? Most counseling sessions DON'T include the parents - it defeats the entire purpose of most counseling, which it to give the child a neutral third party to discuss issues with - no matter WHAT the issue (in other words, what makes you ASSUME that the counseling is about YOU or something that you need to be defensive about)? The reality is that most children, being egocentric, even well into their early 20's, find reasons why whatever is happening between their parents is THEIR fault (the child's fault), and this is where counseling can be invaluable to the child. Children can't discuss things like anger, feelings of abandonment, uncertainty, and all the issues they're exposed to from their parents WITH their parents, without being naturally FORCED to take sides. Involving parents in the counseling only serves to REINFORCE to the child that they've got to pick sides.

  6. #6

    Default Re: Shared Parenting Question About Counseling

    Quote Quoting aardvarc
    View Post
    Just out of curiousity, why must there BE any "side of a story"? Most counseling sessions DON'T include the parents - it defeats the entire purpose of most counseling, which it to give the child a neutral third party to discuss issues with - no matter WHAT the issue (in other words, what makes you ASSUME that the counseling is about YOU or something that you need to be defensive about)? The reality is that most children, being egocentric, even well into their early 20's, find reasons why whatever is happening between their parents is THEIR fault (the child's fault), and this is where counseling can be invaluable to the child. Children can't discuss things like anger, feelings of abandonment, uncertainty, and all the issues they're exposed to from their parents WITH their parents, without being naturally FORCED to take sides. Involving parents in the counseling only serves to REINFORCE to the child that they've got to pick sides.

    I believe one of the 1st questions a professional would ask is what brings you here and the patient / parent would provide his / their profile or "story". Because I suspect the mother's motives and was not a part of the decision process to seek services for my child I would like to become involved as that is my right and duty. I've taken part in counseling for my oldest child and familiar with how the process works. At no time during treatment with him did a professional tell me my input was not required. My goal is not to interfere but monitor but honestly I do question the need for services and would be very interested in another objective opinion.

    1. Sponsored Links
       

Similar Threads

  1. Privacy: Privacy Rights and the Info Shared Between Drug Counseling and the Probation Dept
    By mia michelle in forum Public Health and Welfare
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 01-23-2011, 12:34 PM
  2. Shared Parenting Rights
    By tiger8204 in forum Child Custody, Support and Visitation
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 08-22-2009, 08:37 PM
  3. Interstate Shared Parenting Arrangements
    By dxtn01 in forum Child Custody, Support and Visitation
    Replies: 8
    Last Post: 01-22-2009, 10:38 PM
  4. Responding to a summons for shared parenting
    By PANTHER89 in forum Child Custody, Support and Visitation
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 03-25-2007, 06:46 AM
  5. Shared Parenting
    By grady3435 in forum Child Custody, Support and Visitation
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 12-01-2005, 12:21 PM
 
 
Sponsored Links

Legal Help, Information and Resources