Ex is taking me back to court for more custody - I'm stressed

Dec 211 min read

Got served yesterday. She's claiming I "prioritize work over parenting" because I had to reschedule a weekend last month (work emergency, paid for her to take them to an activity instead). My lawyer says it's not a strong case but like... this costs money I don't have. And fighting in court feels like it'll make everything worse between us, especially for the kids. Has anyone been through this? Do I just roll with it or try to settle before it gets messy?

9 comments448 views

Comments(9)

SSteve L.RegularDec 21

been through custody modification myself. the 'prioritize work' angle rarely sticks unless there's a pattern of actual neglect. reschedule + replacement activity is literally good parenting imo. hang in there

KKeith L.RegularDec 21

One emergency reschedule in a whole month? That's literally normal parenting. I had to reschedule last week for a server issue and my ex didn't even bat an eye. This sounds like she's shopping for ammunition rather than having a real case. Stay calm, let your lawyer handle it.

RRob P.RegularDec 22

That one reschedule is ridiculous to use against you, especially since you covered the cost of the activity. Document everything going forward—every pickup, every activity you attend, every time you go above and beyond. Your lawyer should be building a timeline showing you're present.

TTony G.RegularDec 22

lol the "prioritize work" angle is such a reach. Did she mention that you PAID for them to still do the thing? That's not neglect, that's problem-solving. Courts see through this stuff when you've got receipts and witnesses.

VVic H.RegularDec 23

How many weekends do you typically get? If it's a pattern of cancellations that's one thing, but one make-up situation where the kids still got their activity seems pretty defensible to me.

MMarvin T.RegularDec 23

that's rough man. one weekend reschedule shouldn't be held against you especially when you paid for the activity anyway. sounds like your lawyer will point that out. how's she framing the rest of it?

TTony V.RegularDec 23

the fact that you even PAID for them to go to the activity she wanted them at says everything. that's not prioritizing work, that's problem-solving. your lawyer should shred this

CClint R.RegularDec 24

Document everything going forward - even the small stuff. Every pickup on time, activities you do with them, texts about parenting decisions. courts eat that up. sorry you're dealing with this stress

BBrian L.RegularDec 22

lol if one emergency counts as 'prioritizing work' then literally every working parent is guilty. sounds like she's reaching honestly