Right now, the only thing stopping me from filing for divorce is the fear that my MIL will be left alone with my baby and might hit her. She’s hit her own kids growing up, and I’m sure she’s hitting her other grandchild now, even though I have no proof. If my husband gets custody, I worry he’ll leave the baby with his mom and she’ll hurt her. Is there any way to stop him from leaving the baby with her during his custody time?
You could try to get it put in the divorce decree that your MIL can’t be left alone with your child, but you’d need some sort of evidence or agreement from your husband.
Rylee said:
You could try to get it put in the divorce decree that your MIL can’t be left alone with your child, but you’d need some sort of evidence or agreement from your husband.
I didn’t realize I could ask for that. I don’t have any proof, though, so I’m not sure how it would hold up.
Rylee said:
You could try to get it put in the divorce decree that your MIL can’t be left alone with your child, but you’d need some sort of evidence or agreement from your husband.
You’d probably need your husband to agree to it, or enough evidence to convince a judge. Without proof, it might be tough.
You could also try a first right of refusal. That way, if your husband can’t watch the baby, he has to offer you the chance to take her instead of his mom.
Haze said:
You could also try a first right of refusal. That way, if your husband can’t watch the baby, he has to offer you the chance to take her instead of his mom.
That would only work for extended periods, and it still wouldn’t guarantee she wouldn’t be left with your MIL at some point.
If she has a history of abuse, even with her own kids, that could help your case. I’ve seen some pretty strict clauses in divorce decrees about who can care for the kids.
Quirin said:
If she has a history of abuse, even with her own kids, that could help your case. I’ve seen some pretty strict clauses in divorce decrees about who can care for the kids.
Yeah, I know she hit her own kids, but I don’t have any documentation or proof. I’m worried it won’t be enough.
Maybe try documenting everything? If you ever notice any signs, like marks on your child, take pictures with time stamps or get a report from a doctor.
Lex said:
Maybe try documenting everything? If you ever notice any signs, like marks on your child, take pictures with time stamps or get a report from a doctor.
I’ve thought about that, but she hasn’t hit my baby yet. My FIL is usually around when she’s watching her and I’ve got cameras in the house.
You could talk to a lawyer and ask if a supervised visitation clause is possible. That way, she wouldn’t be left alone with your child during your husband’s custody time.
Gael said:
You could talk to a lawyer and ask if a supervised visitation clause is possible. That way, she wouldn’t be left alone with your child during your husband’s custody time.
That’s a good idea. I’m hoping I can prevent this before it becomes a real problem. Thanks!