My ex wife has primary physical custody of our 2 minor children (5 and 6), she recently checked into in patient drug rehab for an unknown amount of time. This is the second time in under 7 months she has gone into rehab, I now have custody of the children and I'm unsure as to what action to take. I feel as though she abandoned the children as she cannot provide a time she will return nor any means of providing for them such as child support, daycare etc.. I need help please.

Did you go to court for this "custody" or is this just something you had agreed upon? If court ordered then how old is the order?

Petition the Family Court for sole custody of your children. You ex wife does not seem responsible enough to take care of them A Family Court Judge may issues a temporary order giving you custody until such time that the mother can answer the petition in her own defense. Right now , you are in the driver's seat. Put your seatbelt on and get an order from the Family Court so you stay there. My son got custody of his two boys when they were 1 and 4 respectively and , even though he has had it a little rough, he is a Great Daddy and the boys love him. (Plus I am a very proud Grand Daddy!! )

I was handed the children by her parents, I am in the process of filling restriction of parenting time or a restraining order until a judge can make a decision.

So her parents gave YOU the kids? It was a nice move on their part but have to wonder why her own parents would do that. They may help in your fight to get custody.

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Originally Posted by Handyman2007

So her parents gave YOU the kids?? It was a nice move on their part but have to wonder why her own parents would do that. They may help in your fight to get custody.

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I do have joint custody and thus is the reason for her parents handing over the kids. Her parents have known about her addiction for years and they (ex wife, her parents and family) managed to conceal her addiction from me for one reason only to keep me from having the kids. The sad part is that I still have no idea where she is or the serious nature of her condition.

Go to court and file for emergency custody then start the battle for sole and legal custody with supervised visitation.

J9 said it all - go to Court and file for emergency relief before she gets out and take the children back.