What does Motion for Pendente Lite Custody mean?

[MomInVirginia]

I am from Virginia. I just recieved a summons saying that my husband (not quite ex yet) is suing for Sole custody, to amend our mediation agreement. I also recieved at a later date another set of documents from his lawyer that says "Notice and Motion for Pendente Lite Custody" what does this mean? My husband cleverly enough put the wrong address on the summons, so i did not recieve these documents until 5 days ago, the first hearing is on the 22nd of December, so I have not had time to hire a lawyer. Will the fact that I dont have a lawyer yet hurt my chances to be heard even at the hearing? I fear that the judge will be prejudicial in his decision making because my Husband has a lawyer and I don't have one yet. I do plan on hiring one, but not until after the hearing.

 

[blendedfamily]

My ex tried this..the judge can give you extra time since you had just been served..the thing..law or rule whatever it was .. was I had to have 7 days notice before hearing...so judge postponed it but he might get a temp. order...depends on his arguments or allegations..

 

[MomInVirginia]

Well the first order is claiming that I dont see childs best interests, that I don't care for her education, and that she is not kept well when she is with me, however these accusations are unfounded and just simply not true. I have kept a "diary" so to speak of all the days we have switched her off. We have joint custody right now. One week he is with her and then we switch every friday. I thought all was going well, I am a true believer that she needs us both in her life to be a happy, healthy and relatively normal child. I also recieved threatening letters from my husband's "friend" I have printed them off for future reference, I know it sounds crazy, but I kind of knew he was going to pull something like this. I'm just terrified I will lose my baby. She is the only thing that matters to me.

 

[blendedfamily]

AAAHHHHA I think I found it...LOL I did a search on AOL and after reading several pages....I believe it means Temporary.....couldnt they just say that why are court orders worded the way they are?

 

[blendedfamily]

How old is child??? Hopefully he has more than that on you it doesn't sound like a very good case..inless theres something that has happend with the education, or how you care for her.

 

[MomInVirginia]

Beats me, but I am so bitter at this point. Not even the Gods can ease my anger. I almost want to hire the attorney and petition for sole custody myself, but I really do feel she needs us both no matter how vindictive he is.

 

[blendedfamily]

Age???????

 

[MomInVirginia]

We bought a house togther he left about two months later. That was two years ago. I have two children, one being his. I work in the morning and go to college on some nights, every dime I make goes to the house (with the exception of what I saved for a lawyer) I have been sending her (age 4) to a private babysitter because at the time that is all I could afford. He sends her to a nice private preschool (because he has the money to spend) That is the only thing he has against me, that I can think of.

 

[blendedfamily]

It sounds as if he just wants custody...at the age of 4 i'm pretty sure the judge wont get into you not caring about her education... private babysitters are not against the law ....good luck..don't stress it..