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Judge's addendum prior to mediation

Started by StepMamaCat, Feb 10, 2004, 04:27:17 AM

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StepMamaCat

DH and BM agreed to mediation to work out some visitation modifications in lieu of court battle.  When DH arrived at mediation, he was presented with a "parenting clause" that he was told the judge both parties to sign and agree to in addition to the visitation changes made.  The parenting clause contain a number of paragraphs on different subjects including requiring that both households would be maintained in a wholesome and proper moral atmosphere whenever the children were present, neither party shall use illegal drugs nor be under the influence of alcohol during any time the children are in their care, and step-parents should not attempt to interfere in dealings with the children unless expressly requested by both parents.

It seems rather arbitrary in some areas and I wondered if the judge could make them sign something like that with no prior notice whatsoever.  Is this something that judges are doing now?  The illegal drugs, I can understand; but to say the parents aren't even allowed to drink in front of the children?  (There's no history or allegation of alcohol abuse in the case)  And to expressly say the step-parents are not to get involved in dealings with the children?

The disturbing thing was that BM's lawyer had made a few handwritten changes to this addendum.  If it's the judge's addendum, how can the lawyer just edit it at will?

socrateaser

The judge can't make you sign a document, unless he/she first finds you in contempt of a prior order. The document may appear to be non-negotiable and mandatory, however, it is not.