Replies to 'Co-Parenting'

Quote From: familias

 I am hoping that someone will have some advice for us. My granddaughter is 5 years old and currently lives with her mother. (who is my daughter) My daughter was never married to my granddaughters father. We have been to court about 8 times for visitation issues, preschool, daycare etc. Our problem is that the father will never try and work things out and always wants to settle things in court. Both parents do not seem to get along very well and to make matters worse he got married 2 years  ago and his wife is very controlling. The newest papers we recieved are that he wants my granddaughter to be with mom for 2 days a week and 5 days and nights with him. My daughter had just recently asked for a review of his child support and now has been served with these papers. My daughter has always had primary residental and he gets about 108 overnights a year. One of the problem s are that my granddaughter does not like spending the night and just wants to visit. We ask her why she does not want to stay and she says she does not like too. Another issue is the new stepmom. She is very controlling and thinks that she should have a say in any and all decisions concerning my grandaughter. How much say does she really have? We know that she has physically spanked and left bruises on my granddaughter and feels that she is the mom when she is in their home. Dad seems to agree with his wife.  My grandaughter has to call her mom in their home and presence. Does anyone know how judges seem to determine a change of parenting time?  What things do they consider? If anyone has any suggestions please let us know. The father refuses to go to mediation and we really cannot afford an attorney. The fathers family are the ones paying for thier son to continue taking my daughter back to court. Please Dr. Phil we need a show on what should be accomplished during amediation and if step parents have any rights. I really believe that this family will continue to take my daughter to court until they win full custody. My daughter is a very good mother and will continue to fight for her daughter. Wouldn't they have to prove that she is unfit to get custody? If anyone has any advice or answers let us know