Hi,
I'm not sure if this is the right place to ask but I just stumbled across this site and read a question from another father in a similar situation. I have been divorced for 2 years and I have shared custody of my daughter. This means absolutely nothing to my ex wife considering she takes visits away and doesn't include me in decisions about schooling or daycare. She spends most of her time stalking me, driving past my house, searching for me on the internet and harassing people I have worked for. I have lost 3 jobs because of her interference and I've had it. I talked to a lawyer about a restraining order and he said she hasn't broken any laws. I also found out from her brother and father that she doesn't take care of or pay attention to my daughter and that they are always taking care of her. I love this little girls so much and would give anything to be with her everyday. Her mother is always harassing me through email and voice messages about getting more money but never really tells me how my daughter is doing. I am about to apply for sole custody but do not know what I am in for. I really can't afford a lawyer but I will spend whatever I have to get one. My daughter has come over with bruises and what looked like a cigarette burn on her hand, yes her mom smokes, and one time her picked her up at her mother's boyfriend's house and they were smoking in the same room right next to her. She will also scream yell and curse at me in front of my daughter. I am tired of all of this trouble and would like to have my daughter with me where I know she is safe. When she heard about my plans, the first thing she said was oh you just want a bigger tax refund every year. Shows where her mind goes first. I don't care about that.
Can anyone tell me what I can do? Even if I can't get custody, how can I put a stop to this?

I just think that instead of worrying about a restraining order you should talk to a lawyer about getting custody of your daughter... I don't see why a court would not award you custody according to what you said about your daughter's mother, but if it does go to court you are going to have to prove all the stuff you said she is doing and has done to your daughter. Try to get her brother and father on your side when you go to court... I hope everything works out for the best

Get a lawyer. My husband is going through a custody battle right now and the best thing I can tell all me is to get a lawyer. Judges respond better when they see a well dressed man with a lawyer and proof. TAKE PICTURES!! If it goes to trial you will be able to call witnesses. Get everything documented. When you see her come over to you with the burns take her to the hospital. Tell them how u think she got them. They may be able to hand u custody over and then you can implement a PFA and at that time you can file for full custody and should be granted.

Get a lawyer. If he is a really good one maybe he will hire a private investigator to check up on your X and see if the alligations are true or not. I sure would if I was in that situation.