If You’ve Previously Thought You Were Your Child(ren)’s Parents…

Think again. The states are and it’s enforced by the courts.

Just when I think I’ve seen everything that could burn me up about my own case, I discover something that sets my blood pressure sky-high all over again.

While preparing my next post along the path of Custody Evaluation #1, I was reviewing the website for our county’s (court ordered) custody evaluation program (I’ll call it CEP for short). Something caught my eye and made me rather angry because while I’ve long ago realized that we are only parents to our children as long as the state/government “allows” us to be, I’ve never seen it posted anywhere as “in your face” as it is on the CEP website. Read it and think about it…

“Most parents sincerely believe they know what is in their child’s “best interests.” What they may not fully realize is that the “best interests of the child” constitutes a legal standard that only a judge will decide.”

Not only is it written in a most condescending “we know better than you do” tone, they flat out tell you – the choices to be made for your children are out of your hands once there is a divorce and custody dispute (if not long before that).

Read it again. Digest it. Tell me how you feel. Most CEPs operate with this mindset. I’d strongly suggest that you not get divorced if you’ve already chosen to get married. All it takes is one high-conflict personality to place the decision making right smack in the hands of the mommy-state.

Your children are not yours. They belong to the state and the state allows you to babysit them with all of the associated expenses. Don’t forget it.

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GOOGLE FIGHT!!!

Psycho Ex-Wife vs. Psycho Ex-Husband

Draw your own conclusions.

And don’t lie, I know that everyone who goes there is going to make a minimum of 10 of their own battles!

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The Next Problem: The Cellphone

Shocker! The Psycho Ex-Wife purchased a cellphone for S1. When he called me from it, he was so excited and I just rolled with it. He’s 10. I’m sure it won’t be long before the incessant whining for his own from S2 will result in his having one, too.

While I want the boys and girl to be educated on technology, it’s responsible use, and the costs associated with same, I am staunchly on the side of “children don’t need to have cellphones.”

It will be interesting to see how this plays out and how much issue she will have with my house rules regarding cellphone use. I considered saying “assuming she allows it to come to my home” – but I have no doubt she will ensure it’s sent. However, it will be left on the counter along with mine on the charger. It will not be going to school. And I can’t wait to see what happens the first time it is lost, stolen, or broken during my custodial time.

I’m sure now, in addition to the copious amounts of videogame time, followed closely by watching television time, will be sitting around playing with his new cellphone and the “Sedentary Lifestyle Trifecta” will be complete.

Nevermind the constant cry of an inability to pay her bills, the foreclosure notice, and all of the other complaints about money while not accepting responsibility for the poor decisions she makes.

Pessimistic about this development? You betcha!

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A New Set of Wheels

Well, it would seem someone stepped up to help her out. Given her track record and the reality of her being a bad credit risk, someone is also about to be sorely disappointed about being out some money.

Arrived at the exchange yesterday and she was in a new (used) car. I don’t know if it was the “$2,000” car she described to me in her last call for help or not. I didn’t ask and she certainly wasn’t volunteering the information. While the way a car looks on the outside means nothing regarding it’s mechanical condition – I was at least partly relieved that it appeared to be in excellent physical condition. The boys told me it was purchased from “a neighbor friend of Mom-Mom’s” (PEW’s mother).

The leased vehicle is set to be turned in later this week. I would guess that PEW thinks she is simply going to drop it off and walk away. I would also guess, given the many horror stories I’ve heard about lease turn-ins from friends and family, she’ll be in for quite a surprise when they nickel & dime her to death when they “inspect” the car and tell her everything it “needs” or little things for which they won’t return the security deposit or will ultimately bill her for. Hopefully, I never get to hear the details.

Kids had a great week and appear oblivious to the alleged financial goings-on with their mom. That’s a good thing, at least until we find out what is real.

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The Minor Annoyances

We were away visiting relatives this weekend. PEW asks to get the kids a few hours early, which in and of itself is no big deal, it’s just an excuse for me to break out this morning a little earlier. Otherwise, we would have stayed until after another fabulous lunch prepared by Grandmom.

After we get on the road in an effort to get back in time for a 1:00 PM exchange… I get a text informing me that she “can’t” meet until 3:00 PM because she’s going out to the movies and then out to lunch with her sister.

It’s annoying because it conveniently occurs after we’re on the road. It’s annoying because, while I’m sure life has to go on in the midst of home foreclosure proceedings – I suppose she’s strapped on her classic financial blinders and will just ignore it and carry on as always.

Of course, maybe she is saving a few bucks by hitting the matinee. 😉

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