GAL "Converted?"

[Hopin4daBest]

L says this is going to happen with the GAL. I said what is that. He says so the GAL can act more as an attorney and actually motion for things. Wtf?

GAL has been absolutely livid at NJ, the last few court dates, so I'm guessing GAL wants to be able to motion for contempt against NJ. Just my guess though.

Anyone have any experience on this?

[Fatheroffour]

It doesn't give a good impression of your attorney.

Whay does he need the GAL to do his job, whiich is to work with the GAL to win your case.

Sorry, but no. No experience with a GAL actually becoming a party to the case. Seems to take away their veil of nutrality.

[Hopin4daBest]

Another lawyer advised my lawyer out in the hallway to do this. This was right after the GAL was ranting to the judge about how screwed up NJ is.

So...ugh..All I know anymore is that this process is just tiresome.

[Fatheroffour]

No doubt.

My attorney spent time conferring with the GAL and seeing what the GAL wanted and was expecting. Knowing the propensity of judges to rubber stamp GAL's recommendations, your recounting of events gives me zero confidence in your attorney. He seems like a follower and not a rainmaker. Insane wife. Gal in your corner. Attorney refusing to make things happen.

Not good.

You need a rainmaker.

[Hopin4daBest]

Just got back from a $150 consultation with a lawyer I found on a real glitzy, blinged-out web page, so I figure he's a rainmaker.

After I illustrated the whole story since I filed in 8/2011, I showed him the 1 inch thick motion that NJ cc'd to the FBI, ARDC, S8's school superintendent, etc. in which she requests a change of judge due to the judge being "guilty of anarchy, treason, and the trafficking of children.."

The lawyer says..."OK. PSYCH EVAL IS WHAT NEEDS TO HAPPEN!"

He says I'm looking at up to $20K for one.

UGH. Can I just wear Lebowski glasses in court?

[Fatheroffour]

20K sounds steep.

Look into the process. Call around to some head shrinks. Google. Ask. See what the local process. "Psych evals" the term is used about everywhere but it can be different in different locales.

[epsilon]

You're in Illinois, right? Then he probably said you need a 604b evaluation.

In my consult my lawyer called it the the most expensive way to go. $20,000 is probably including some lawyer fees in there and maybe paying to have the psychologist testify at a hearing. I paid almost $12,000 just to the psychologist for his meetings and report. The entire process with him took 8 months.

From you're descriptions this is probably what you need to do.

[Hopin4daBest]

Guys, just so I understand, this is the course if i want FULL custody, right? I mean like, can I dodge this process if I say I simply want 50/50?

Because yes, Epsilon, being that I am in Illinois, I understand I have to be REALLY lucky to get FULL, especially an 8 yr old AND a 1 YR OLD..But please correct me if I'm misinformed.

If the answer is yes, then no point in wasting major time and money, to an evaluator who may or may not rule in my kids best interest. And/or just rule by recommending 50/50, which is the same end result I can pursue now, without going the evaluation route, by simply using the GAL.
Again, please correct me if I'm wrong on this.

Regardless, FoF: Definitely gonna Google, research, and ask questions. Thank you.
Epsilon, thank you for your analysis.

[jumbledone]

H4dB,

If I had to spend $20k to get supervised < parenting time > because my NJ is the NMNJ out there, I would do it in a heartbeat. What kind of schizophrenic BS will she instill in the kids if she has them 50% of the time? Also, after her displays of schizo-paranoid behavior, you might come out looking not so good by not pursuing what is truly in the best interest of the kids.

Sucks to say, but I would be hitting up friends and family to help fundraise for this NECESSARY expense. You cannot allow that thing to have any more control with your kids.

[hoosier_dad]

Guys, just so I understand, this is the course if i want FULL custody, right? I mean like, can I dodge this process if I say I simply want 50/50?

OP, answer your own question by looking at your children's best interests. If you can truly look at that inch thick document and your ex's increasingly bizarre behavior due to untreated Schizophrenia and state without hesitation that she is no danger to your children then go for 50/50.

We can only go but what you are posting, and based on your posts I don't think anyone here thinks she is a safe caregiver for even an hour of parenting time let alone 50%.