he's going to take my child away

[NikB]

Damn it. I was so hopeful that you were blowing things out of proportion in your head. (((Mary))) I'm sorry that he's pulling this crap on you.

I think Jeff's got it right:

I think so. Like you said, he is doing this because you are not giving him his way. It isn't because he really wants full custody, he is really trying to blackmail you. He knows you, he thinks you'll panic, and give in to whatever he wants. He might keep her for a few days, let your lawyer work. Stay calm, panic just gives him ammunition.

DON'T give him any more ammunition.

The judge will see through everything and do what's right.

In fact, I wouldn't doubt he'll get in a LOT of trouble for taking her out of state when he doesn't have any kind of custody order in place. That can't be considered a good thing.

And Sara has good points as well - there is no way there's a custody hearing at 9 AM that you haven't been notified about. (unless... that's why he was going through the mail, to try and steal the notice out??). In any case call your L first thing in the morning and/or leave a message tonight.

I hope all this will FINALLY give you the motivation to get papers in place to protect yourself. Do this as soon as you possibly can OK?

(((Mary)))