"As for the custody of my son, that would be unfair to grant her more time than to me. It's not because she withheld him for so long that it means she cares more. For what reason should she have more rights than me?" Because she has shown to be the more responsible parent since he was born.
How can you not see this ^^^ by now, Bruce? You were NOT a great or even decent father. All you did was write some checks and "visit" with him. There has been NO "care" for him by you. it's ALL HER or HER family and instead of you being grateful for their loving FREE care, which you paid nothing for, you are mad and whiny that "she isn't sacrificing" as much as you think you will by having him....OMG...wow...
"For the moment, she's at her parents, and therefore her mum takes care of our son 24/7." You have no proof of that. So what if they do? Most grandparents are loving as they sound AND they are free and stable. That's way better than daycare for a 2 y/o, and any parent knows that!
"But I won't give up on him, and we'll keep asking the court for 50% custody immediately." Which I know you're not ready for.
AMEN.
"If she really can't support the idea of being separated to our son, there's a very simple solution, and I'm open to it: Move back with me! Simple, really." SIGH...to ME, this reeks. It sure looks as if You are seeking 50% BECAUSE you want to force her to return to you, OR punish her if she does not.
Enough said.
Or third option: she goes for FULL custody and allows the court to determine how often you can see your son because she has proof of you being an absentee father. This is probably the option she's going to take.
Lose the attitude.
If I were HER Lawyer, I'd suggest she go for full physical custody with limited visitation. That is what I'd argue on HER behalf b/c it's what she wants AND b/c the child barely knows you. But if I were appointed the child's lawyer, which happens in some places,
I'd usually want both parents involved BUT my priority would be best interests of the child.
YOU think that "best interests" of the child naturally means half custody but "stability & routine" are the hallmarks of "best interests" of a child. You are not part of that yet. You are a virtual stranger to him. And in my opinion, it increasingly looks as if your main goal in seeking custody is to punish her for leaving you OR to manipulate her into returning.
None of this comes from a loving place in your heart.
Take it slow and stop sounding like a petulants child making demands or forcing yourself on her.
BECOME THE MAN YOU WERE MEANT TO BECOME...CHANGE
M: 57 H: 60 M: 35 yrs S30,D28,D19 H off to Alaska 2006 Recon 7/07- 8/08 *2016* X = "ALASKA 2.0" GROUND HOG DAY I File D 10/16 OW DIV 2/26/2018 X marries OW 5/2016
