Sex Offender Engaged to a Mother Whose Ex Doesn't Like It, and is Threatening Court

[JinNebraska]

My question involves a child custody case from the State of: Nebraska. Greetings, I am a registered sex offender in Nebraska. My fiance's ex has threatened legal action to win sole custody of their child. Sole bad mistake aside, do my exemplary current actions and positive psychological evaluations matter, or does he have the upper-hand? Thank you.

[Dogmatique]

The nature of your offense and how long ago it took place may make a huge difference.

[JinNebraska]

Pardon the exclusion, and thanks for your inquiry. There was an image of my stepdaughter which was scrutinized. I was offered probation, but did not want to admit guilt by accepting the deal. A jury of my peers saw it otherwise, and I was found guilty of Visual Depiction of Sexually Explicit Conduct (Third-degree Felony). The conviction was 2.5 years ago. Thanks.

[Dogmatique]

Then yes, there is a chance Dad actually may prevail here. Your conviction indicates that you perhaps cannot be trusted around the children of your partner/s, and that can be very compelling to the court.

It's also quite recent.

Mom may have to make a choice here.

[JinNebraska]

Thanks for your quick, yet sobering response. Hope you have a great week.

[Dogmatique]

It is sobering, yes. And such things are often not perhaps "fair" to a genuinely rehabilitated offender. But, the law is what it is and when it comes to family law the courts tend to err on the side of caution when children are involved.

Has your fiancee sat down with a LOCAL attorney to discuss her options? That honestly is her best bet. The attorney will know the climate of the courts and how judges tend to rule.

[JinNebraska]

That the courts err on the side of the child is to be respected, and I would take myself out of the equation before putting anyone through a legal battle. That said, this information came after business hours today, and many local attorneys have messages waiting them come tomorrow. Again, appreciate your honest answers.

[Dogmatique]

You're absolutely welcome.

I do have one more question though. How long have you been with Mom? As boyfriend/girlfriend, the whole gamut? And how long has Dad known about your relationship?

[JinNebraska]

Been friends for ten years, seriously dating for about four months, and engaged for a few weeks. He has know about our entire relationship, but recently discovered my registry status online.

[Dogmatique]

Thank you for answering so quickly.

Unfortunately that doesn't help you. Had it been a case of you being with Mom for a couple of years and Dad knowing about it from the beginning, he'd have a difficult time (if not impossible time) using it against you now.

But with the relationship being so new (and Mom needs to expect Dad to use the fact that you were only seriously dating for 4 months before getting engaged against her too - it doesn't really show stability), and the knowledge being so new, it doesn't help.

Sorry.