[Crowbob]

Nostatic,

Whether it works or not is up to you. IROC Mike is correct. Because your parenting time will most likely be limited, you will have to make the most of it. Kids are way smarter about this than anyone thinks. First, you must be consistent. If you say you'll be there...be there-on time! Do not be a Disney Land Dad. That is, don't feel like you have to entertain the kid(s) all the time. Do not speak ill of mom-ever. They (the kids) already know her problems and quirks and your problems and quirks. Speaking ill of their mother says more about you than her, even if it's the truth-they already know it! Teach by example; live your life they way you would want them to live theirs. Always remember; where they are is not up to them or up to you or up to mother. It is up to the judge. If mom screws up or the kids want to be somewhere other than with you during your parenting time, you say; "Son, let's ask the judge what to do about this. Usually, it gets resolved. My x went to jail for repeated violations of the parenting time provisions of our order. The kids blamed me. I reminded them (in an age appropriate way, of course) that I do not have the authority, the means or the desire to put mom in jail. But, the judge does and that's what he did. Over time, the truth will out. My kids were 2 and 6 when the big D hit. At ages 21-girl, 25-boy we all met in Vegas for my youngest's 21st b-day (she lived there at the time). It was the greatest day of my life...They both, as adults, thanked me for being consistent, honest and determined to stay in their lives. Many of their friends had two parents growing up but are very screwed up because they ended up hating both parents for whatever reasons.

Either get used to the idea that dad's are second class parents, or fight the system. Here in Michigan, we organized and petitioned to change the Child Custody Act state-wide. It took 10 years! Locally, the Friend of the Court "retired" after I petitioned the State Court Administrative Office and sued him for violating my due proceess and his failure to enforce the orders of the court regarding the parenting time provisions.

Good luck. "The truth will out."

Jim