Right now, I have a limited two hours three days a week with my daughter who will be two years old at the end of next month. I have had this schedule since April of 2010. I finally have a court hearing scheduled next month where I am requesting significantly more time with her (as I've been asking for since I found out I was the father). The mother and her attorney have stated that they are going to request a child custody evaluation. I have nothing to hide - no drugs (prescription or recreational), no criminal history, no psychological issues, etc. but they continue to make the argument that my daughter is "not comfortable" with me which is just flat out false.
My daughter is happy when she's with me alone, though she will cry sometimes when I pick her up from the mother. She immediately stops once we get in the car and she is happy the rest of the time - something our therapist said was normal. I have sent the mother pictures and videos of our daughter happy with me during my visits, but she refuses to acknowledge them. I have also asked that the mother and I meet at a neutral location or have someone else do the exchange as my daughter does not cry as much when the nanny does the exchange. She has refused both suggestions.
Does anyone have experience dealing with California courts?
Can they force an evaluation?
The mother genuinely believes the judge will not award me more time. I can't imagine this is possible and my attorney agrees with me but I was wondering if other single fathers had a hard time in California courts getting more custodial time. Can anyone give examples of "step up plans"?
Any other advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
ps - the mother and I were never married and only dated for a few months.
My daughter is happy when she's with me alone, though she will cry sometimes when I pick her up from the mother. She immediately stops once we get in the car and she is happy the rest of the time - something our therapist said was normal. I have sent the mother pictures and videos of our daughter happy with me during my visits, but she refuses to acknowledge them. I have also asked that the mother and I meet at a neutral location or have someone else do the exchange as my daughter does not cry as much when the nanny does the exchange. She has refused both suggestions.
Does anyone have experience dealing with California courts?
Can they force an evaluation?
The mother genuinely believes the judge will not award me more time. I can't imagine this is possible and my attorney agrees with me but I was wondering if other single fathers had a hard time in California courts getting more custodial time. Can anyone give examples of "step up plans"?
Any other advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
ps - the mother and I were never married and only dated for a few months.