I am trying to help with my Fiance and her probate matter with her son's father. We were informed by his live-in girlfriend that he is abusive to my fiance and his son. It's not intetional abuse but he has a temper issue and takes it out on the child.
We were recently in court on a temp order that we filed (complaint for modication wasn't going to be heard till november). We showed the judge the email his girlfriend wrote us, and informed him that she was willing to give a formal testimony if needed. We asked the judge to either suspend the fathers visitation or have supervised visits till her completes anger management, or see a therapist and get a OK from a Dr. to be alone with their son.
The judge ordered that bother my fiance and her ex need to take the parenting class (the same one the state requires you to take to get a divorce). Personally, I see them having to take this class as a waste of time since I've been thru it and it really doesn't apply to their sitatuion. The judge said once her completes the course he can re-file with the court to get his visitation back.
Is there anything you could reccommend as far as what we should ask the judge for when we go back to court? or should we go back with the same evidence of abuse and hope for the best?
Help with abusive father
In custody situations it if often helpful to bring a letter from the child's therapist that states anything the child said to the therapist about the other parent. The letter is hearsay, but there is an exception to the rules of evidence that allows the judge to review the letter. Police reports are also helpful. You may want to get notarized affidavits from anyone familiar with father's abuse.
Wyckoff Nissenbaum
www.SomervilleLawOffice.com