Anyone else dealing with a really biased court system when it comes to parenting plans?

So my ex wife keeps changing the parenting plan last minute to suit her whims, even though she’s already refusing visitation. The phone calls I’m supposed to be getting? She keeps changing the time at the last second. I’m wondering if this is something I should try to modify in the parenting plan or just keep filing contempt until the judge cares enough to do something about it? Honestly, I’m at a loss.

Ugh, that sounds super frustrating. I think filing contempt is usually the way to go when the other parent is actively ignoring the plan. If the judge won’t do anything about it, maybe it’ll start to build up over time and force their hand.

@Fynn
Yeah, but if she keeps changing things last minute, that’s a form of manipulation. Have you tried asking for make-up time for the time she’s withholding?

Pacey said:
@Fynn
Yeah, but if she keeps changing things last minute, that’s a form of manipulation. Have you tried asking for make-up time for the time she’s withholding?

I get why you’d be hesitant to ask for makeup time when it feels like they’re actively making it harder for you to be involved. It seems like she’s just trying to cut you out entirely. I think if it’s gotten this bad, a modification request might be needed to make it official.

This sounds awful. If she’s denying you visitation and not following the court order, that seems like a solid case for modifying the parenting plan. Maybe get a lawyer involved again, even though I know it’s tough with the costs. At least they can help you figure out the next step.

@Barbara
Yeah, I’ve been through so many lawyers already and the ones willing to help in this county aren’t really putting in much effort. It’s kind of an uphill battle.

Has the judge been showing bias? I’ve heard of cases where judges kind of lean toward one parent for no reason. Could that be what’s happening here?

Niall said:
Has the judge been showing bias? I’ve heard of cases where judges kind of lean toward one parent for no reason. Could that be what’s happening here?

That’s an understatement! There’s been a revolving door of judges in this case and all of them have seemed to favor her. I’ve even contacted the Washington CJC about it and took it to the appellate court. It’s been a mess.

@Jamie
Wow, sounds like you’re stuck in a tough situation. If it’s been this bad, could you try asking for a change of venue? Maybe another county would be more fair about it.

It could be worth looking into getting the venue changed if it’s that biased in your current county. It might be tough, but getting a more neutral setting could be your best shot at fairness.

Thane said:
It could be worth looking into getting the venue changed if it’s that biased in your current county. It might be tough, but getting a more neutral setting could be your best shot at fairness.

I thought about that, but from what I’ve seen in this county, they don’t want to let that happen. It could get messy with more legal battles. It seems like I’d have to appeal it to get anywhere.

I’m not a legal expert, but have you tried motioning for recusal to get rid of a biased judge? I’ve heard of people doing that when things are clearly unfair.

Kyrie said:
I’m not a legal expert, but have you tried motioning for recusal to get rid of a biased judge? I’ve heard of people doing that when things are clearly unfair.

Tried that too. It seems like no matter what I do, they just rotate through judges who all seem to have the same attitude toward the case. It’s beyond frustrating at this point.