[Michele_t]

My Ex Husband was giving full custody of my daughter without my being present in court. He mailed court papers to my house in July, and the house was sold in April, and he knew it, we talked daily, and he lives less than a mile away. I did not know he had custody until money was being deducted from my check, in which I was ordered to pay $397.00. I have tried to present my evidence to the judge and he refuses to hear me, either because my ex isn't in court, or because he says I'm not putting the right words on my motion. PLEASE HELP!! "

[smoothy]

WHO served you the papers... an agent of the court or your ex-husband?

What state do you live in? Assuming it's the USA.

Your Husband doesn't set the rules... and most cases the Judge doesn't... he just follows extablished law and precidence.

And yes... you have to follow procedure... to the letter many times. Get a lawyer to represent you... its clear you need one.

The real world is not Judge Judy... or Judge (Fill in the blank) like TV. A local lawyer will know what you have to do and what you don't want to do. And many times it won't be what you think it should be.

[Michele_t]

I NEVER received any papers. The Judge set the date and told him to mail me papers and he says he sent them certified. We live in Illinois.

[smoothy]

Ok, be patient... others familiar with this and particularly Illinois law will be able to answer better.

But do consider hireing a lawyer.. if you have any chance it will be with their assistance. I'm sure your ex didn't go without representation himself.