child has spent the night out, the names of the people, etc... before I met my ex I was raped, lost a daughter, and was attacked and kidnapped from my home... needless to say, I went over the edge. I got some psychiatric help. Then I met my ex and married someone I didn't know, who lied about his age, how many times he'd been married, what he did for a living... he cleaned me out. He was a "Christian".... now 8 years later, I live in another state, going to school... I left after he beat me while I was pregnant. He was convicted of spousal abuse and has since gotten a full mental disability. He keeps telling the GAL things that are lies... He lives in a huge house that defies his SS check. I don't even know what the accusation is. Should my attorney know that? I really don't feel like he's helping me. He just tells me not to worry about it and fill out the papers. Meanwhile, how do you tell your child's friend's your being investigated?
2007-03-07 11:58:14 · 7 answers · asked by lady 5 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
I forgot to add that the GAL is not free, will not return my phone calls, and he's requested my psychiatric records from before I met my ex. Can someone please help?
2007-03-07 12:01:43 · update #1
A GAL is just a volunteer... in the end the interest of the child is what they are looking into.
My advice is to hire an attorney.
2007-03-07 13:54:34 · answer #1 · answered by BeachBum 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You always tell your lawyer everything! If you're not getting good services from your atty, change attorneys and do it now. The GAL not returning your phone calls is problematic. He represents your child--not you. Quit calling him. It will be a negative against you. Don't fill out the papers until you see another atty. Your atty should be doing discovery to find you ex's assets. If you're honest with the GAL, you're better off than hiding information. The last thing the Court wants to do is disrupt your child's life. Changing custody is very difficult. What happened in the past is not going to be persuasive to the Court if you're doing well now. Your ex has to prove you are currently an unfit mother. If you went through all this trauma and survived, that will be in your favor in front of the Judge. However, don't ignore this. The GAL needs some information. If he's overstepping his bounds, let your atty deal with it. Please--don't be a pest to the GAL. This is important. Always be on your best behavior when meeting with the GAL. Dress and act professionally. Frankly, I think if the GAL has full information your atty is probably right. However, you're uncomfortable with his advice, so seek a 2nd opinion.
As for telling your child's friends--don't go into any of the details you put in here. Tell them your ex is trying to take your child and tell them to tell the truth. This is also important. Your ex's atty may ask these folks what you told them. It's very important that their answer is: "she told me to tell the truth."
2007-03-07 12:35:38 · answer #2 · answered by David M 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1. You are paying your lawyer, if you are not happy find another
2. The GAL's only concern is the child's interest
3. Given your ex's conviction you don't have a lot to worry about IF you have a decent lawyer.
4. It shouldn't feel like YOU are being investigated. Tell the child's friend that you and the child's father are having a disagreement and a fair person is looking into things to make sure that everything are as good as possible for the child
5. Whether with this lawyer or a new one take their advice over mine or anyone else's on here, because they should have ALL the facts
2007-03-07 12:11:39 · answer #3 · answered by historydoc 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
From what I understand about child custody issues 2nd hand info:
1. GAL is appointed in all cases to represent the child in court when custody is disputed
2.The GAL is out to make sure the best interests of the child are served
3.Give the GAL all the info they ask for - you don't have anything to hide right? You have been serving the best interests of the child.
4. Your attorney needs all the info you have- everything regardless of whether it helps your Case hurts it. Do not lie to your lawyer.
5. You don't need to tell your child's friend you're being investigated. Tell them that if anyone calls w/ any questions to answer them honestly.
Be honest and do right- it may not be easy but you will be ok
good luck
2007-03-07 12:13:15 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
hold onto your rear. GALs are supposed to be for the best interest of the child and neutral but they respond to the one who is the loudest in complaints. you will be strung along and not given the facts. get used to it. oh but you have a right to see all the docs they collect but expect that will be used against you if you want to look at it that you're obviously wanting to see if they found the truth yet. beware.
he must have gotten a good reason to prove the need for a GAL???
2007-03-07 17:32:11 · answer #5 · answered by tryinthis2 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
File a case in court for the abuses being committed by the Guardian Ad Litem of your child. It is the only remedy to make the relationships proper.
2007-03-07 12:08:39 · answer #6 · answered by FRAGINAL, JTM 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
GET A LAWYER QUICKLY...you need one....it looks like they are trying to take the child...and will stoop to any method to do it....Good Luck
2007-03-07 12:07:47 · answer #7 · answered by Real Estate Para Legal 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋