O'kay here's my story!!! I have had custody of my 3 girls since my split w/ex in 2001. I got into a very bad situation about a 1 1/2 ago. I was severly depressed and started doing drugs. I was a heavy user for approx. 1 yr. My family knew by my behavior that something was going on. Came to my house one morning and did a small intervention. Left where I was, got clean for 5 months. Had a major nervous breakdown, ended up spending 7 days in mental facility by my own admission. Vowed never to return to parents where I have lived the 5 months clean. Gave my 1/2 of the custody to my mother and step-father until I could get my act together. Went back to where I was and messed up but was not using as heavy but still used nonetheless. Left then again. And a year later I have been clean the whole year and ready to have my kids back. Parents say NO!!! Currently living with a great man who has custody of his own children. Parents say that until we are married they will not willingly give me back custody. (Take into consideration that my mother wa a weekend mom and my real father rasied me. And her and Step-father lived together 4 years before marrying each other.) Now my oldest daughter is angry and says that I spend more time with b/f kids then her and her sisters. She refuses to see me this weekend. This was after having a conversation with my mother about wanted custody back. My parents won't make her and I don't want to force her but what else do I do??? I want my babies back so much!!! Does anyone have any suggestions??? And will the courts deny me if I fight because of my live-in and no marriage situation??? I live in VA!!

I don't think that not being married will hurt your chances of getting your children back, but you will have to get an attorney and petition for custody and probably fight them in court since they won't willingly give up custody, however, they are being ridiculous to say no because you're not married, I think that's crap and they should stop trying to impose th eir values on you.

Get a lawyer, and take your mom to court for custody of your children back. They are your children, and she has no right to tell you no, or to coerce you into doing something you don't want to do. Sounds like your mother is brainwashing your oldest daughter. You could also take her to court for disallowing you to see your children, even if they are saying they don't want to see you. Now is the time to act. Hope you get your kids back. I'm sure you will.