1st Custody Battle

Let me start by saying that this is a brief synopsis of what I had to go through to keep me son even though there was a signed agreement in place. The divorce agreement gave me a shared parenting plan that was accepted by the court and signed by all parties. Dates in this are approximate but you will quickly see the lack of regard that took place as well as the idiocy of the whole thing.

Late April 1995- Divorce was final

Mid May- my ex attempts suicide

End of May- I am served with papers stating that she has filed for full custody of Kevan

Early June- first meeting with my attorney, Shakes his head in disgust at the papers. Tells me I should have shot her. I told him that it is easier to defend the custody than a shooting. He replied that it was nice to have a smart person to work with.

Mid June- first trip to court.

July 5-Asked if I am always as angry as I was that day. I told them only when I was served with BS papers such as these. Guardian Ad Lidum appointed to act on behalf of Kevan. Psychological testing ordered.

Mid July- Home visit by Guardian. She lays out what she intends to do. I give her a list of 25 names to call of people who will speak on my behalf.

August- first trip to psychologist. This guy should wear a skirt because he is so pro-female. In formed attorney. Told him we were screwed.

Mid August- second trip to psychologist, gives me Ink spot test- leave him confused because I see whole picture not small pieces. Makes me take written test over because my answers were too honest for him.

Mid August- Meeting with Guardian at her office to plead my case alone.

September- Court date. Psychological tests come in the night before with a recommendation that "custody stay the same or full custody should go to the father."

December- Court again, this time she with draws. End of battle.

The guardian never called a single person on the list as she said she would, she never made any follow up visits as she said she would.
Even though this was frivolous, the court did not make her pay my expenses in this matter. I paid out over $1500 in attorney and testing fees, not to mention lost time with work.