I'm so scared :(

[bananaz]

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[Calambria]

Honey, do you know how often an angry/vindictive/pissy ex tries to pull those cards, men and women alike?

Judges hear this, everyday, day in and day out. "Oh, well she's crazy/has bipolar/uses drugs/does this/does that." It all means squat if they can't PROVE that you do.

Do you have an attorney or are you pro se? If you anticipate ugliness, it's far better to know you're in good legal hands. Beg, borrow, pawn, cut back on things if you don't have the money for one. Contact one of your state's legal aid department, they can give you referrals for a full-service attorney that may be provided at a reduced cost. It will give you peace of mind.

 

[bananaz]

Thank you, that's a really good point, I'm sure they do hear this stuff all the time. Fortunately I do already have an attorney, though I'm guessing this process is going to end up being a lot more expensive than the original retainer if my ex goes the direction I think he is.

 

[Calambria]

He may not even do it, but it's always best to prepare for the worst case scenario. And a good attorney will prep and forewarn you for that.

I'm assuming LO has been living with and been taken care of by you. That gives you status quo. Now, status quo isn't EVERYTHING, but it's a big plus. Unless there are some serious issues(medical neglect, abuse, proven heavy drug use, etc), a judge is unlikely to disturb status quo.

I know it's a stressful time. Make sure you're comfortable with your attorney's expertise and try to put your faith in them.

 

[bananaz]

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[Dezireey]

He's saying slam dunk because he knows there is a 99.9% chance that your ex will get nothing and have nothing. I know it's scary but no judge in their right mind is just going to hand over a baby/ toddler/ child to an absent father or a father that plays a very small role in a childs life. They think of the child first and when a baby has been in the good and normal care of it's natural mother since it was born there is no way they want to change that. Like others have said, the only way you get your kid taken off you is if it's proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that it is detrimental to the child to stay in the care of the mother e.g. drugs, abuse, neglect etc. So try not to worry, easier said than done but be strong and keep positive.