Messages

So did you file for a modification? 

Greatdaddy, rest assured my thoughts and  prayers will be with your son, and you during this trying time.  The advice regarding no negative comments is just advice I always give.  I was divorced in 1994, & have three grown children, 27, 23, & 21, plus two step children, 21 & 20.  So it is from personal experience as well as eyewitness events that prompt me to hand that advice out so freely.

Keep the faith.

can you file a violation petition?  If uncertain check out the self representation web site that the Texas cvourt system hosts.

Why the grandparents hosue for pick up?  Have you had any contact with the kids?  Have you considered calling a lawyer?

Keep it simple, it states starting after the last day of school, and that is what it means, not June first. 

Progressive is a great way to go and with you being closer that should be easy to accomplish.  Minimize the drama factor, do not engage, and be all means watch what you say and what you put in writing, if you wouldn't want the judge to see it, or hear it, don't write it or say.

Investigate what has been written and published regarding co-parenting,  and outcomes, you might have to educate the attorney along the way.

A word of caution though if you are seeking a 50/50 spilt to avoid paying child support, it will mostly come out.

If you make more than mom you could offer to put your percentages in a pot and then split it according to parenting time, in some cases the parent that makes more will have to pay the other, however, if they are willing to, it can reduce the time spent as well as the money spent on litigation.

Good luck

Sole custody, even temporay is pretty serious, have there been any chances since that award?  What does your attorney tell you?  Any clue as to what the mental health concerns are regarding you? and the federal charges?

Advice, try to keep as much of this a possible away from the kids and say nothing negative about the ex to the kids or around them, and don't let anyone else either. 

Why is the custody part important? If the son lives with you?   Check your states court web site, and check the state bar site as well, they have advice and information on how to go about it on your own. 

  All custody battles are ugly, and should not be entered into lightly, the only victors are the attorneys, and the residual hostilities poison relationships permanently.

Angus, I have read through all of the post again, and have to agree, your chances of winning are slim at best, even with the relocation, it is not just the enconomy that is involved it also the fact that mom has family there.  the girls are under 10, and mom has been primary.  You just reappeared, you owe arrears, and you want equaility.  I just don't see it.

If you really want to be with the kids, and are certain that the move is going to happen, I would look into relocating... then may you could still have a 50/50 split of time with the kids, other wise I think you should run and sign the offer that is on the table.

  Good luck

I am sorry my post should have addressed Angus, Now I have to go back and read the rest of the posts because I think I have missed  something other things as well...

Gemini, why do you feel the need for 50/50?  If you are seeing your kids and involved again why is the legal terminology important?  Fighting for your kids is great, however it is often better to not be involved in a fight, in a custody dispute which ultimately just benefits the lawyers.

Consider this, you have your kids as much as possible, spend time and energy on them, as well as your money, ( you can't buy that new computer if you need the funds for the lawyers, and that mean both you and mom are taking money that could and most likely should have been spent on the kids.)

A custody fight is just that a fight, fighting promotes additional ill will and hard feelings.  If mom is willing to give a little now, chances are she will be more liekly to give again later on.....

Just a thought