[island_dude]

Its a long sad saga that began 2 1/2 years ago. Wife (I call her soon to be Ex, or SBX) announced that she was done. Moved into the guestroom and then out into a home I bought for her. She made a big deal about how we were going to remain friends and have extended families etc. She got involved with someone and even engaged, but that blew up. For various reasons we did not get a separation agreement together.

Fast forward to a few months back. I met someone very nice and we have been building our relationship (its now been 6 months). SBX is very unhappy about this. Has been acting out in numerous ways. Largely by harassing my SO and I and making tacky comments about her in front of my daughter. This is not how I acted when she was dating "mister wonderful".

She just took this to a new low. I got a call from my SO and she said that she had been contacted by social services about a neglect complaint against her and me over my daughter. Earlier this week the SBX was away and I agreed to watch my daughter. My SO offered to pick her up and watch her for a while and have her at my place before I got home (She works from home several days a week). My daughter who is 10, was alone for 1 1/2 - 2 hours. My SO got the full interrogation treatment and I will also. This is pathetic because SBX went to a music event last Thursday with her new guy and left my daughter at the house alone. This was at least 3 or more hours.

I believe that I have nothing to fear from the social services folks (2 hours is within the guidelines). However, I know many people that have had to jump through a lot of hoops over non issues.

I haven't decide how to treat these people when they contact me. I could give them the minimum. Be open with them or decide to provide the whole story of what my daughter's mom has been up to. SBX is having major depression issues and acts out in crazy ways. Multiple people have told me that I should have full and exclusive custody.

I should point out that I do have a lawyer now, a much overdue action, and I am getting help on the divorce and separation issues.

Any thoughts?