Hey Turtle,

Like the boys said, hire a lawyer (who is not your friend) try legal aid if you are out of funds, or some of those father's rights people. Unfortunately, there really isn't much you can do about any of it... try and remember you can only control yourself, your situation and things that are directly under your control (attitude, feelings, etc). Your ex is not under your control. Neither is her lawyer. Try to focus on only the things you can control and let the rest of it go.

If she wants to date her lawyer - she can do it. While (like cyjeff said) it may be unethical, it isn't stopping them from doing it- and it doesn't sound like it is against the law, any more than your 'friend' helping you out with your legal stuff.

I'd try to move past it, as your stress certainly will not help the kids. As far as your particular questions:

1) No, you most likely cannot get a restraining order to stop your ex's boyfriend (lawyer or no) from hanging out with her at the kids events. In fact if you were taking photos of them together, they may say you need the RO!

2) Whether or not it's proper... you got your stuff back and at the end of the day, that's what matters, right? So long as nothing was missing - you've got nothing.

3) I'm not sure you can 'sue' or take any legal 'action' against an attorney for using the term 'fighting words' and then getting all puffy and blustery with you. No matter how silly/childish it may have looked.

4)If there is no 'court order' for p/u times this needs to be addressed by your attorney in a modification hearing (I think). I would have imagined that your custody/visitation order reads something like most of them do: Every Other Friday from 4pm until Sunday at 8pm and Every Tuesday from 4pm until 8pm.... blah blah blah. I'd be surprised if there was no 'time'. But you can fix it - ask your lawyer.

5) It sounds like her attorney is also her boyfriend and therefore is at p/u and d/o's whenever she feels like having him there. I don't think there is anything untoward about that, particularly if they are also dating (as unethical as it may seem).

6) Refer to the 'boyfriend' sentence above.

7) You need a lawyer. This is turning into an ugly and complicated case and an attorney will be able to navigate the murky waters of the law.

8) Not sure on this, I am assuming all the 'paper' flinging is in regards to the case... in which case, paper flinging seems to be a legal specialty of sorts as they 'all do it'.

Further, I wish you lots of luck - it sounds terrible and draining. Find yourself a good lawyer and a better therapist (or bartender) to vent too. You can use it and you may just feel better for it!