Legal Question in Family Law in Pennsylvania

Hello, I am 33 weeks pregnant. My boyfriend has been very emotionally abusive. I didn't know there was such thing as emotional abuse until I had to go to the ER because I was having real contractions and the baby was stressed. He argues and degrades me in front of my kids and everything. I had to leave him two weeks ago. Now he saying he's going to get full custody because Im not working and I don't deserve the baby or anything. I had to call the cops on him one time last year for choking me up and throwing me around the house. I can't let this man get my daughter. I would lose it. I don't trust him and Im scared. Im on bedrest and had to leave nursing school and a job at the post office so I know what good parent Im capable of being. He says he will plead the 5th if I say he mentally abused me. Is there a chance that the judge him him any custody? I don't want my child in harms way.


Asked on 3/03/11, 4:04 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
John Davidson Law Office of John A. Davidson

First get a PFA order against the boyfriend.

So he's going to plead the fifth in a custody case? Really, custody cases are civil cases not criminal so there is no 5th amendment right against self incrimination. More likely than not is he'll just lie. Happens all the time in custody matters. Or he'll say you deserved it. That doesn't fly with the courts.

Next get prepared now document everything he's done. Find witnesses that saw him do it.

That's all you can do for now. Just get that PFA and no amount of I'm sorrys should change your mind.

{John}

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Answered on 3/04/11, 5:52 am


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