Schizophrenic Father

Your children need you and you deserve to have them. Anyone who can overcome addiction is able, with support to care for her children whom she obviously loves. It is astonishing that a judge would not grant you custody after proving your ex's condition and the fact that he is unmedicated. It is unheard of to have diagnosed schizophrenia without medical treatment. You will need proof-and the court should order it. Your ex has a disease that requires medication and makes him unfit to care for children or even himself-and puts the children at risk. God bless you! Promise this-you will stay clean no matter what-you have a fight on your hands-good luck!

Custody and visitation are two separate things. Sole legal custody gives you authority to make decisions concerning your kids without his input. Joint custody is supposed to mean that both parents must be in agreement on issues such as school, medical decisions, and religious issues. (Though in my experience, this is not enforceable). Visitation can be awarded to a parent no matter what the custody decision is.

They didn't deserve the circumstances in which they have had to grow up without you. Don't be afraid to make a difference. Be strong to make a change. They need you to fight for them. You need to fight for them. It is absolutely the right thing to do. You are their mother. You never stopped loving them. Every single parent makes mistakes no matter how big or how small. Our kids need to know that we are doing our best. They need to know that we are making an effort for them. I've apologized to my daughter when I've needed to and admitted that nobody is perfect. Your kids need to see the demonstration of your love and commitment. Find the courage to move forward and never look back. Best wishes to you, your kids and a future together:)

Dear J.,

I applaud you for getting your life together and caring about your kids. It is not too late. You obviously want what is best for your kids and that's what is most important. My husband has experience with this kind of issue and he could help you do what is best for your kids. Call him and ask him about it. He can advise as to how best proceed. His name is John Haugen, ###-###-####, www.haugenlawfirm.com. Best wishes and God bless!

I think before any changes are made regarding where your kids live, the first order of business should be getting them into counseling, even if it is court-ordered. I am sure your children have experienced a lot, maybe even been traumatized, and a professional is the one best equipped to help them heal. Good luck in your recovery.

Chances are, unless you can prove him unfit, all you will get at this point is visitation since he has been the primary parents for most of their lives. Being schizophrenic in and of itself does not make one an unfit parent. If I were you I would talk to a lawyer about your options.