Someone please correct me if I am wrong, but the way I understand it is that the process does take a long time. This is the crucial time that the other parent is establishing a standard environment over time, for the child. This is what she can use in court to support the request for full (sole) physical custody, and the restraining order is going to help her exponentially.
Your job is to document EVERYTHING! Make sure that you submit your documentation and evidence to your case file at the court to go on the record. You need to show proof that the "current established environment" is not in the child's best interests. You should base your petition on these submissions.
You mentioned that the other parent has a history of emotional instability and under the DCF's watchful eye... Support your position with these facts, but support your arguments with proofs so that your statements become truths.
Hope that helps!
Your job is to document EVERYTHING! Make sure that you submit your documentation and evidence to your case file at the court to go on the record. You need to show proof that the "current established environment" is not in the child's best interests. You should base your petition on these submissions.
You mentioned that the other parent has a history of emotional instability and under the DCF's watchful eye... Support your position with these facts, but support your arguments with proofs so that your statements become truths.
Hope that helps!