Owen I have just read the whole thread and agree with everything that other Forum members have said. First of all your situation makes me sick to the stomach, this woman is a user and a manipulator and a liar.
Definitely get the lawyer and one with real teeth. You have so many people; who can give evidence that she is in nah nah land that getting your daughter back should not present a huge problem. The law if you are in Australia...but I assume it is similar in other countries is that the rights and safety of the child come first - always.
Owen, put down the game console and take up a running schedule with some push ups and some tummy crunches, get your backside moving and put in until you are sweating. That will give you more energy in just a few weeks to a month and make you feel a whole lot better about yourself.
If you feel like you need to talk to someone then go to a therapist or even a best mate or your parents. Get out of bed early, eat properly, exercise hard and have faith in your own abilities.
Is there a birth certificate in existence? If you are the father on that surely you do not have to undergo a test??
I think to be blunt that this woman is "doing you over" and you have to be physically and mentally fit to TAKE HER ON.
Yes the system appears to favour women, however it does not favour women who a mentally deranged, and you can prove that. You need to be strong, not just for yourself but for your daughter and frankly I would be going for full custody with supervised visiting rights for this woman. Therapists can be subpoenaed to court, doctors can be subpoena to court. She has a long history of doing strange and stupid things in front of other people they can be called as witnesses. You do have the goods on her, You just need a good lawyer. I would suggest you print out your post and give that to the lawyer so her/she can read the misery and unstable behaviour this woman has subjected you to.
Finally and most importantly you did not fail at anything. She set up all her scenarios either out of attention seeking or mental illness, either way your responsibility is to your child and don't ever forget that. As for this woman what a disgraceful woman. This might be a bit blunt but I think you are better off without her and if you set your mind to it I believe you could raise your daughter, but you are committing to a lifetime decision. You are probably never going to get this woman out of your life until your daughter grows up but you can control what and how she interacts with you with various Orders of a court.
Sorry if I have been a bit blunt, no offence intended.
Good luck and let us know how you are going, we are here and hopefully we can be supportive for you?.
blackemerald1