We have completed the makeup visitation that started in January and my SS has made great strides. Unfortunately, custody was not changed at the temporary hearing even though we had ample evidence of things that the mother has subjected the child to. However, with that said, I can understand (even though not at first) why it wasn't changed, moving the child to us permanently after the final hearing is our goal, and our attorney warned us that judges do not like to change custody until everything is said is done.
Okay...for the question...or should I say...my thoughts. Parenting Evaluation. My husband/his ex/the child will be evaluated by court appointed psychologist with his doctorate. I've been told he will administer the MMPI or some sort of personality test like it. The mother has already scheduled her and her evaluation with the child on the same day. My theory to this is, 1st impressions, then comfortability of the child (he's 5). So, I was thinking, since we know the date of the mother's eval, that my husband, go ahead and get his portion done first. 2 hours with the psych. and then 1 hour taking that test. Then after the mother does all of her evals and hers with the child, then schedule my husbands appt with the child after. That way the child will be less apprehensive and more comfortable with the psych., since he has already been in those surroundings.
What do you think?
Also, is it common for spouses not to be involved in the evaluations? I would think they would at least want to know something about the both of us. And has anyone taken that test? I've read and studied that you can't cheat on it. Cheat isn't exactly the word I should use, but basically it will show if you are trying to make yourself look better than actuality. The mother has a history of bi-polar disorder and selfmedicating with drugs...we have records that show history. Not hearsay.
Also, on the spouses, we finally decided to do a background check on my husbands ex because things just weren't adding up. His ex doesn't work, if she does its under the table, he has 2 kids, but my 5 year old SS has never met them and neither has his mother. He supposedly has his own business, but no business license and insurance. So, I broke down and paid for a background check and now we know why. He was convicted of Class C Felony Burglary and sentenced to jail and probation. We just found this out, so I'm not sure we can admit this into evidence or not, but I'm hoping that when we get near the final hearing, that the spouses both get called and asked questions regarding character. My husbands ex also has a history of misdemeanors/bad checks/petit theft/suspended driver's license for failure to pay child support on other child she lost custody of. She recently claimed hardship and has asked that CS be waived until she has her baby. This will make 4 child, that they are supporting, which does not include my SS which my husband pays child support for.
Sorry so long, any comments would be greatly appreciated.