questions & answers

Question: I am divorced and we have 50/50 custody. However my ex-wife was sexually abused by her father. We currently have it in our parenting plan that he is never to be alone with them. I feel they should never sleep under the same roof as him. My Ex wife thinks it is ok and contually takes the children to his house and spends the night there with them. There have never been any legal actions taken against the abusive father/grandfather. However should I take it further?

Answer: Without more information, it is impossible to know how serious the risk to your children is.  Have the children mentioned any signs of abuse?  Has their behavior changed?  If you and your ex cannot agree on this issue, you should discuss it with a lawyer.  There are 3 programs in Arizona that you can use to get some inexpensive legal advice and guidance.  One is the Modest Means Program.  For a $75.00 fee, the Modest Means Program will arrange a one hour consult with an experienced attorney.  The telephone number is (866) 637-5341. Both the Maricopa County Bar Association and the Pima County Bar Association have lawyer referral services that offer a 30 minute consult with an experienced attorney.  Maricopa County's Lawyer Referral Service offers a 30 minute consultation for a fee of $40.00. The telephone number is (602) 257-4434.  Pima County's Lawyer Referral Service offers a 30 minute consultation for a fee of $35.00.  The telephone number is (520) 623-4625.