The Client was awarded joint legal decision-making with her having final say authority. The Client was also awarded an equal parenting time schedule with her parenting time to begin immediately so that she could exercise the Minor Child’s Birthday with her.
Background & Key Facts:
Our Client had come to us for a Dissolution after the Opposing Party had left the residence they shared while married, absconding with the Minor Child. She had previously been a stay at home mom who spent every day with her daughter but when Father left without notice, it left her in a position where she had to go months without being able to see her daughter while the Dissolution was initiated, Father’s location was identified and he was able to be served.
CASE / Strategy:
Father had obtained an Order of Protection against our Client and it was expected that he would try and paint her as a violent and unpredictable person, thus justifying him not allowing her parenting time. Prior to the Temporary Orders hearing, it was important to show that our Client had found stability after separating with Father including her own apartment, consistent and steady work, and familial support within the area. We also were able to proactively get her enrolled in counseling and demonstrate that she had actively sought and received help from being in a domestic violence relationship where she was actually the victim. Her provider was able to write a letter documenting her progress made since first seeking treatment.
Outcome:
The Client was awarded joint legal decision-making with her having final say authority. The Client was also awarded an equal parenting time schedule with her parenting time to begin immediately so that she could exercise the Minor Child’s Birthday with her.
Client Impact:
This outcome was able to positively impact the Client because she not only got equal parenting time, but was also able to be immediately reunited with her daughter. Additionally, the Client having final say legal decision-making authority allowed her to regain some sense of power and control and not feel as though she would be minimalized by her Husband.
Why This Win Matters:
Father was making serious accusations as to Mother’s mental health, violent tendencies, and exposure to criminal activity. He was trying to use this as a way to significantly limit her parenting time to be supervised and to have sole legal decision-making for himself, alienating Mother which we were able to prevent from happening.
