My daughter has suddenly accused me of doing something horrific?
i am in a custody battle with my daughters mother. today was our first hearing. at 11 oclock in morning the state police came to my door and advised me that they are investing me for innapropriate "conduct" with my daughter. i also found out two days ago that she tried to get me violated for not paying child support only behind 280 dollars. ive never done anything to my child that could even be considered as innapropriate. i know this isnt true and could never immagine my daughter saying something like this. ive read that children of preschool age WILL answer a question no matter if it happened or not with a positive answer,if, they know the answer the interviewer is looking for. i also read that if u ask them such obsurd questions such as " did u fly to the moon yesterday" they will obviously say no, but if asked multiple time in different ways eventually they will say they did fly to the moon and will add to the story. i dont have money for attorney and dont qualify for a P.D. HELP
Answers:
Have formal charges been filed? Who conducted the interview and under what conditions/circumstances were they conducted. Was the child coached through the answers by any person? Was the child coached by the mother to make either a direct claim or insinuation, or even to a third party? Has a detailed report documenting the allegation been provided? Are there any hostile whitnesses that can support the accusation that could be brought forth? Think, who's on your wifes side?
How was the information received, via the court, or attorney? Who is your wifes attorney and does this person specialize in child custody/family law? If so, they know the scare tactics to employ including those measures you probably can't afford financially to fight in a protracted battle. Your wife already provided the attorney with your financial platform.
Most states have it structured through social services that once a person of authority, be it cop, teacher, social worker, any sworn person to include even the fire department upon receipt of information surrounding child abuse/neglect it must be reported. Reagardless of how the information was obtained.
Question is, can a PREPONDERANCE of evidence supporting the accusation be plausibly presented? If so then the burden of negating it is going to be on you. The court will likely sway to the preponderance of evidence supporting.
You absolutely need an attorney!
Do yourself a favor. Inform the court you willing to submit to polygraph examination at the courts discretion, no notice and at your own expense. Even if they don't ask for it, I would still have it accomplished. Why? because it may stem future fictitious allegations being lodged against you while impeaching the credability of the accuser. Granted, a polygraph may not be entered as evidence, however it can be introduced and used to substantiate character.
Saddest part is the child is going to pay the ultimate price later on down the road. Adults have no business using a child to manipulate advantage in divorce proceedings. However, money is a big motivator. Child support, alimony, and the never ending CONTROL.
Contact legal aid. You need a lawyer.
How old is your daughter? Well friend I hope the truth prevails.
i'd question wither or not she is hearing things from the mother as well
there are groups out there that specialize in father custody hearings i'd start there for legal help
That is such a great fear for any single parent. If innocent, call the Bar Association and they can help. If guilty, there are no words bad enough for you.
Yes, children that age will answer yes if they are asked a question in various ways to please the asker. But remember, most judges know this by now. I am not an atty. but you need one. Open the phone book and call every lawyer and ask if they handle custody. If you get an ans. machine leave a message of what the call is about & someonr will call you back. Do this until you find an atty who will let you pay later or make pmts. You cannot do this alone. Get an atty.
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