my children need HELP!!!!

[mrskaufman]

We are in Washington state. My ex-husbund aquired custody of my children after taking my 2 children into his home to keep them from living in a shelter after we had a house fire in mine. That was four yrs ago. I have been trying ever since to get them back. Just recently my 10 yr old daughter told me of abuse she is suffering from in her fathers home at the hands of his wife her step-mom. I have made a police report and a report to CPS, and gotten a restraining order that places the children in my care temperarly.However there is a up coming hearing on the 8th of Dec for them to show cause for the order to be dropped and I am sure he and his wife will be in court to respond. I am fearful for my childrens safty if this is dropped, but also aware that I am powerless against his familys money and ability to hire a top knotch attorney. My children are terrified of returning to thier fathers home and need someone to be in that hearing to speak for them and thier rights to live in an atmosphere where they can trust the adults that are caring for them and feel safe. What can I do to find an advocate for my children that will speak for them and thier best interest. Also what if any thing should I be doing next. Should I be filing for modification of the finalized parenting plan and if so how is this done?

 

[stealth2]

Tell me you have a lawyer that's representing you in all this.

 

[mrskaufman]

unfortunatly we don't have. i wish we did my experiance to this point has not been a good one because of the lack there of. I believe if we could have had an attorney a few years ago my children would never have been subjected to the violence they are experiancing in dads home now. I am trying to find an attorney that will take small payments or will take this case pro-bono. At one time the children were given a court appointed guardian ad liedum. would that attorney still be considered thier advocate in light of these new issues in the case it has been 2 yrs since she had any thing to do with it.

 

[Sheri in VA]

I KNOW WHAT I WOULD DO.......FILE FOR CUSTODY IF I HAD TO JUST to get a GAL for the kids! That way custody is in dispute. And oh well!
If the kids can tell the GAL what they feel, all the better. Whatever you do, don't show you are angry with dad to the judge or GAL, it will backfire. State your case but without anger! It backfired on me at one time.
I would do something.
I finally won custody without the help of an attorney.I know thats nearly unheard of, and it took five years, but the GAL got me the custody.

Good Luck to you, and don't get a worthless GAL like my first one! I filed a motion to have him removed and it worked.My explanation was the twins (girls) didn't want a male guardian.It worked and the kids got someone really good.
Based on gender he was removed. Close call too...couldn't stand him

Sheri