My husband and his ex have been divorced almost a full year. She had a free attorney (she's a paralegal) and filed in the county she works in instead of where we all live. Her attorney phone calls used up all his retainer, so when the court date came he was told by the judge's secretary that the case would be dropped or continued if both parties weren't present. When he didn't show up, the judge granted the ex full custody, and child support was based on the previous year's W2s, where he worked 5+ hours weekly OT and she was unemployed part of the year.
Since that time, he has had his daughter (13) AT LEAST every other week (often more), and his son (12) every other weekend and almost the entire time they are out of school for any reason. The ex leaves them at home to go karaoke once or twice a week, and never forces them to come back to her house, but she won't agree to joint custody. She also makes more money than him now, and I carry the insurance for them. I think it's obvious she just wants the child support and not the responsibility, but he isn't convinced he'll get joint custody. With us having everything documented over the last 10 months, including the kids saying she "goes out" every week, I think he would be granted joint anyway.
Has anyone been thru anything similar that can give any advice? We really don't have the money for the retainer they ask, but am willing to do what we have to. I appreciate any help!!
Since that time, he has had his daughter (13) AT LEAST every other week (often more), and his son (12) every other weekend and almost the entire time they are out of school for any reason. The ex leaves them at home to go karaoke once or twice a week, and never forces them to come back to her house, but she won't agree to joint custody. She also makes more money than him now, and I carry the insurance for them. I think it's obvious she just wants the child support and not the responsibility, but he isn't convinced he'll get joint custody. With us having everything documented over the last 10 months, including the kids saying she "goes out" every week, I think he would be granted joint anyway.
Has anyone been thru anything similar that can give any advice? We really don't have the money for the retainer they ask, but am willing to do what we have to. I appreciate any help!!