Legal Question in Family Law in California
Child Custody
During a recent child custody trial my ''Ex'' had her kids (from a prior relationship, now grown) to make false accusations about me and also my wife (eg. both my wife and I supposedly beating her up, of course without a shred of evidence, besides they ''say'' she had a black eye, no police report filed or anything ''official'' like that- because of course it never happened). My wife and I both work in ministry and I was appauled at the testimonies given (which were all very far fetched to say the least), the judge seemed to take it all in stride and after researching this tactic ,it seems to be prevalent (that might explain why he had no reaction). I on the other hand was deeply offended (as I am in ministry and a person who holds myself to the utmost standards of truth and otherwise). I'm shocked the mother is willing to sacrifice her other children (like she has our child) at the alter of her habitual lies. Please tell me the judges are able to see past the lies to the real issue - how she is obviously manipulating her children to lie (and to hate me), and that she obviously has no character (one of the many reasons I can't get into right now, that I am trying to protect our son from her and from turning out like her other kids)
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Child Custody
Unfortunately, American judges do not have divine inspiration. They are just plain old human beings with human flaws and can be fooled. However, a good attorney can usually show through cross examination that someone is lying. I heard of a study once that showed an experienced trial lawyer's cross examination was more effective at exposing a lie than a polygraph test.
If you did not use an experienced trial lawyer, well then you very well may be in trouble. The good news is that child custody is always modifiable, so you can try again, hopefully next time with an experienced lawyer.