I am the mother/custodial parent and petitioner. Reopened parenting plan only (custody is not changing, not changing child support). Child is Level 2 Autistic and received diagnosis AFTER original order filed. This meets the significant change in circumstances. A standard plan does not fit- the father and I have already made informal changes over the years since diagnosis. Father hasn’t spent more than 2 weeks at a time with her ever since separation. Father is active duty military and moves every 1-3 years. This is a relevant and complex layer to an already complex situation considering 6 yo child’s ASD diagnosis and extensive therapy schedule. She has significant sensory processing issues, making air travel a traumatizing experience for her and yet father expects air travel if he lives far enough away that it would warrant it. These are only a couple details/changes my daughter needs. I am pro se and feel I have a very strong case- and I have a lot of evidence to support. But my ex has lawyered up and that makes me more nervous about the process. My ex has fought me on everything since I asked for the divorce. Sees me as trying to take our child away from him when all I’ve ever done is try my best as a co-parent to find balance in this type of situation, and protect my daughters needs. She has a life and therapy schedule rooted here.
Procedurally, I know I am at a disadvantage. And even though I’ve produced a LOT of supporting medical records, I failed to get them certified as I didn’t know until after the fact, and am sure his attorney will now call me on it. Although, the contents of the records- my kids diagnosis, is not in dispute. My ex just doesn’t want to change a parenting plan that we’ve never even been able to follow because of her diagnosis.
I’d also like to note that I believe my ex is also in contempt of our current PP order- as we’ve had multiple disagreements (in fact can’t agree to anything via direct communication) to where I’ve been trying to get mediation going for a month. Per our order, that’s what we agreed to for dispute resolution. He has since not cooperated with that and lawyered up instead. Instead of moving straight to contempt (which I understand may be difficult with the SCRA factor involved) I have motioned for a temporary order, in what I proposed.
I guess I’m looking to see how tough of a road I’m in for here, any advice, etc. I am at a significant financial disadvantage (mostly due to child’s disability) and cannot afford counsel, nor is the community action/pro-bono) network here sufficient to meet my needs. And NW Justice project might as well not even exist.
Please help. :)