(June 2, 2016 at 2:54 pm)Nymphadora Wrote: There is a huge group of people (women AND men) that I am part of who have had their custodial rights trampled upon simply because the other parent is a narcissistic asshole who knows how to manipulate the system. It's sad, really.
Indeed. The first year after our breakup, my relations with my son's mom were bitter, and at one point she sued for complete custody. I represented myself and successfully defended my paternal rights in court, winning 42% custody (3 days a week, every week). It took that, and a lot of patient talk, to get her to understand that it was in our son's best interest that we have joint custody, and thatwe should get along.
I'm happy to say that now, fifteen years later, I count her as my best friend. I couldn't have picked a better woman to mother my child. I just wish we'd been grown-up enough to keep his family intact. I do take solace in the fact that we've given him a direct example of how to be mature in the face of a deeply emotional difference.
