So, my wife left with our kids and went to another state without telling me. I think she’s filed for divorce, but I haven’t gotten any paperwork yet. I’ve tried contacting her for two days to ask about our kids and the stuff in the house (because I’m trying to move out), but I think she blocked me. Her family isn’t responding either. Can she legally do this? There’s no custody agreement or anything in place. We were fine until Thursday, and now this. I live in Washington, and I think she went to Pennsylvania. What should I do?
If there’s no custody order, both parents usually have equal rights to the kids. She might not technically be breaking the law.
Shai said:
If there’s no custody order, both parents usually have equal rights to the kids. She might not technically be breaking the law.
Yeah, that’s what I thought. Can I file something to get the kids back here?
Shai said:
If there’s no custody order, both parents usually have equal rights to the kids. She might not technically be breaking the law.
You can file for a temporary custody order in your state. That might help bring the kids back until things are sorted out.
Have you documented your attempts to contact her? That might help if you take legal action.
Esme said:
Have you documented your attempts to contact her? That might help if you take legal action.
I haven’t yet, but I’ll start doing that now. Just text messages and call logs, right?
Esme said:
Have you documented your attempts to contact her? That might help if you take legal action.
Yeah, texts, call logs, emails… anything showing you’ve been trying to reach her.
You could also reach out to local law enforcement or child services if you’re worried about the kids’ safety.
Shawn said:
You could also reach out to local law enforcement or child services if you’re worried about the kids’ safety.
I don’t think the kids are in danger, but it’s just frustrating that I can’t even talk to them.
Shawn said:
You could also reach out to local law enforcement or child services if you’re worried about the kids’ safety.
Totally get that. If there’s no court order, they might not do much, but it’s worth asking.
Can she use your PTSD against you in court? That seems unfair if you’re stable now.
Aza said:
Can she use your PTSD against you in court? That seems unfair if you’re stable now.
I’m worried about that too. I was medically retired from the Navy because of severe PTSD.
Aza said:
Can she use your PTSD against you in court? That seems unfair if you’re stable now.
She’d need proof from a professional that you’re unfit to parent. PTSD alone isn’t enough unless it affects your parenting.
Do you have a lawyer yet? That’d be your best move ASAP to get ahead of this.
Quinby said:
Do you have a lawyer yet? That’d be your best move ASAP to get ahead of this.
I plan to talk to one on Monday. Hopefully, they can help me figure this out.
Quinby said:
Do you have a lawyer yet? That’d be your best move ASAP to get ahead of this.
Good call. They’ll know the best way to handle the custody stuff and deal with her moving out of state.