GhostedGirl
Learning
Summary: I recently left my husband who was emotionally and financially abusing me. It was terrifying, but with the help of CARDV, I have been able to leave and pick up the pieces of my life.
But he couldn't just let me leave. He's now petitioning to gain full custody of my daughter, who was born before we were married. He's trying to claim I'm an unfit mother and will no doubt cite my PTSD as a reason. But I've been in treatment and my doctor said my daughter is at no risk. I've actually been able to go off all my medications I previously needed for sleep. It's amazing what leaving a bad relationship can do for anxiety.
I have been so horribly anxious with all the waiting. Waiting for Legal Aid, waiting for paperwork, waiting endlessly for him to respond to messages without any answer.
But by far the worst is the lying. His dishonesty was always a problem when we were married but now it's gotten so out of hand. I'm continually shocked by his behavior, including taking our daughter away and telling his parents I'm not allowed to see her. I had to call the police!
I'm terrified for her to even bump her head, lest he lie to everyone and say I hurt her. He's already done that. He's trying to do anything to maintain control over our lives and just want him to leave us alone!
I don't want him in my life. I don't want him in my daughter's life. But I don't know if the judge will remove his visitation or not.
I've never EVER been in court. The entire concept is foreign to me. It's causing me a lot of anxiety because I don't know exactly how to prepare.
Whenever I try to reason with him he just stares at me... cold, sterile, without a hint of empathy for what he's doing to me. I can't believe I ever let myself get into this situation. I can't believe I ever allowed myself to be so manipulated and overpowered. Just like my own mother.
I just needed to vent, if anyone else has any advice I am ALL EARS. <3
But he couldn't just let me leave. He's now petitioning to gain full custody of my daughter, who was born before we were married. He's trying to claim I'm an unfit mother and will no doubt cite my PTSD as a reason. But I've been in treatment and my doctor said my daughter is at no risk. I've actually been able to go off all my medications I previously needed for sleep. It's amazing what leaving a bad relationship can do for anxiety.
I have been so horribly anxious with all the waiting. Waiting for Legal Aid, waiting for paperwork, waiting endlessly for him to respond to messages without any answer.
But by far the worst is the lying. His dishonesty was always a problem when we were married but now it's gotten so out of hand. I'm continually shocked by his behavior, including taking our daughter away and telling his parents I'm not allowed to see her. I had to call the police!
I'm terrified for her to even bump her head, lest he lie to everyone and say I hurt her. He's already done that. He's trying to do anything to maintain control over our lives and just want him to leave us alone!
I don't want him in my life. I don't want him in my daughter's life. But I don't know if the judge will remove his visitation or not.
I've never EVER been in court. The entire concept is foreign to me. It's causing me a lot of anxiety because I don't know exactly how to prepare.
Whenever I try to reason with him he just stares at me... cold, sterile, without a hint of empathy for what he's doing to me. I can't believe I ever let myself get into this situation. I can't believe I ever allowed myself to be so manipulated and overpowered. Just like my own mother.
I just needed to vent, if anyone else has any advice I am ALL EARS. <3