My post today is just me venting to anyone willing to listen.
I am at what I would call a crossroads in life. My biggest challenge right now is trying to get custody of my son returned to me, because in the 2 years he has been with his father, his wellbeing and mental state has regressed significantly. My father told me that in recent visits, my son has become withdrawn and mutters constantly to himself. He refuses most foods he used to love to eat, and his appetite appears to steadily decline. When I speak to my son on the phone, his conversations have become shorter and shorter. No matter what question I ask, he always just says "Good".
The court system in Montana refuses to hear my case, even though I have filed twice to try to reclaim custody. I am currently researching my options for filing in Texas, since I am now a legal resident.
Even worse, child protective services has been called, and refuses to intervene. They simply state that unless the abuse is strictly physical, there is nothing to be done.
I am truly at my wit's end. So now I stand at the crossroads, looking all the possible directions, and I find myself completely lost and uncertain of my surroundings, and my future.
I continue to find it so incredibly sad that my son should continue to suffer under the care of his father, which is basically non-existent, just because of who his family is and because his parents are retired attorneys. I just don't understand!!!!!
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Check in with Hopefields and see if she maybe has some suggestions. Sorry to hear about all of that Connie!! HUGS
Thanks. I did find out that the judge did not get the papers from the clerk of court yet, so that explains why he hasn't responded to my filing. However, I still don't understand Cal's attorney not responding!
HI Connie, wow...this has just been such a battle for you. I'm sorry to hear about what your son is going through. He sounds like he is really suffering. Connie, there is also emotional, mental, and psychological abuse. Try to dig up as much research on those types of abuse as you can and question the child protective services on them. Do you have an attorney right now? If so, have you told them about your son's change in attitude? Do you get visitations at all with him right now? This news is very troubling.
I don't have an attorney right now, mostly because I can't afford one, but also because so far this is what attorneys have gotten me to. So now, I'm just doing this on my own. I do get visitation with my son, which I know helps him a lot. In fact, I'm going to visit for Easter weekend and will have him almost an entire week. I get him all summer and at Christmas as well. Right now I've filed for permanent change of custody and supervised visitation with his father. Apparently, the judge hasn't received the paperwork yet from the clerk of court, so that explains his lack of response. (Just found this out today.) It still does not explain Cal's attorney not responding, though, unless by some odd chance of fortune he's decided not to fight it. (Which I seriously doubt.) I'm angriest about the fact that my son is so incredibly unhappy, and the "powers that be" don't seem to want to do anything!
Unfortunately, many children endure what your son is going through. The court system needs a great deal of reformation and change in this area. Here in Hawaii they are now beginning to take domestic violence more seriously after two women were killed by their abusers early this year. One woman was stabbed and another was beaten to death on a public road by her abuser, as witnesses watched in horror. Now, they are listening to domestic violence agencies and advocates.