Legal Question in Family Law in Missouri

Gender Bias / Discrimination
I was recently in court again for an ongoing Custody / Divorce Case and it came out in Court that my wife, violated two court ordered agreements (dated January 2006); The first was she was not to cancel any insurance policies and the second was she was to take the Children's First Program. She cancelled a life insurance policy and recieved the buyout of $1400.00 four months ago and she has still not taken the Children's first Program (ordered over 270 days ago). I am wondering if this would constitute Gender Bias or Gender discrimation, since I have been held to a higher standard than my wife. I have complied with all the court ordered items every time and some have cost me an excess of $1000.00. We currently have joint legal and joint physical custody; a 50 / 50 split of time with the children. Should she not be held in contempt of the court orders? If I had done either of those two things I believe I would have.

Asked on 9/21/06, 9:09 am

2 Answers from Attorneys

Anthony Smith LawSmith

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Re: Gender Bias / Discrimination

If you are not represented by counsel, you should hire one or take action very soon.

The facts you describe, do not appear to present an actionable gender bias lawsuit. If you truly believe that the Judge is applying a discriminate standard, than you should raise it as a complaint to the Bar. All Judges are lawyers.

Has the Court been made aware that the children's mother has not complied with the Order? If not, then a Motion for Contempt citation would be an appropriate means, as would a motion to compel her to comply. You can do these Pro Se, but it has been my experience that these are best handled by an attorney.

Good Luck

Answered on 9/28/06, 2:45 pm

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