Joint custody in Vermont

[saddadinvermont]

My wife filed for divorce two weeks ago. I moved out over a year ago, in an effect to get her to go to therapy - we were only married two years, had a baby who was one, and she was having post-partem depression, was over-protective, and refused to let me participate in the babies life.  I moved to a friends house, signed us by for therapy, and within 6 weeks was told by her that she wanted a divorce and to get it over with. Now I live in a small apartment across town, and she lives in the nice house that I worked to renovate for three years (i'm a carpenter). In the meantime, I have developed a great relationship with my son, he's my best buddy, and its all because I'm not under her dictatorship anymore. I've also met a wonderful woman who is a true partner for me (who my wife hates, of course.)

My wife doesn't think I should get any custody - she wants it all - my son, the house I made beautiful, everything. The thing is I don't care about anything but my son.  How do I get custody - at least joint custody?  We're in Vermont and Vermont law doesn't like to give custody unless both parents agree. I've tried for over a year to convince her that I deserve to be an equal parent, but she's very stubborn!  

please give advice.

saddad

[Peanutsdad]

My first advise is this: Seek legal counsel,, NOW.

Here are a few links to get you started.


Tips For Getting Started
http://www.deltabravo.net/news/10-19-2000.htm

How To Hire An Attorney
http://www.deltabravo.net/custody/hiring.htm

Hiring An Effective Attorney
http://www.deltabravo.net/custody/effective.htm

Success Factors In Obtaining Custody
http://www.deltabravo.net/custody/tips.htm

http://www.deltabravo.net/custody/missed-visit.htm

Suggestions When Falsely Accused
http://www.deltabravo.net/custody/falseacc1.htm

Dealing With Threats Of False Allegations
http://www.deltabravo.net/custody/blackmail.htm


 http://www.deltabravo.net/custody/pplan3.htm

One of the first things you'll hear around here is "Document, document, document!". Having good records is *crucial*. Get yourself either the Parenting Time Tracker (PTT) at: http://www.deltabravo.net/custody/tracker.htm or the OPTIMAL Custody Tracking service at: http://www.parentingtime.net. The PTT is good, but the OPTIMAL service is definitely better.