A.K.
Hi T.,
Sorry to hear that you have to go through this. God must think you're pretty tough to handle it all. I asked a lawyer in my neighborhood what his advice would be and he said this:
"If this is a Texas custody issue and controlled by a Texas order my advice to my client would be to do everything that she could to make sure that the order is followed and the visitation happens otherwise she empowers the child to control the relationship which could later backfire on her and two she could be viewed as acting against the best interest of the child. These things can be BIG trouble.
The best advice is that if he is being controlling he has probably always been controlling and will not stop at this. I would suggest that the party continue and that the child ask her dad if she can attend the party and make sure he knows he is truly welcome (if you can be sure he won't cause a scene).
The best advice is may be:
If he does go to church with her see if the pastor/priest or a family member both respect will mediate the conflict there is usually more middle ground because of the best interest of the child than most will see. Offer him an extra evening from 6-8:00 PM if he will let her come to the party for 2 hours.
Finally, make sure that these issues are documented because there will be future litigation and a journal can be admitted in the proper circumstances to document these things and the disputes will not be as fresh as they are now."
Hope this helps. If you need to talk to him I can get you in touch with him.
A.