Fathers Rights

I've had two situations recently where Father resisted allegations or demands made by Mother, and was successful, because he based his resistance on principles, and forced everyone to look at the family law case with proper legal analysis. Even when the only thing Mother has on her side is emotions, it still takes a struggle to defeat her.

In the first case, Mother said that Father's girlfriend should not be present during his parenting time. She even brought their counselor (of course they were in therapy!) to testify as how the kids felt about the new girlfriend. We resisted, on two principles: the girlfriend wasn't dangerous to the children, and Father had gradually introduced the girlfriend to the kids. The issue was whether Father should have overnight visitation with the children, with the girlfriend present.

The Judge decided Father was correct.

The second case had a court-appointed family therapist requesting that Father take a battery of mental health exams. Now, in this particular case, there were no accusations against Father, either in Court or in any pleadings. Father's position was that, under the Constitution, people have a right not be examined against their will. His other position was that specific allegations had to made, not just generalized allegations that his kids were "scared" of him.

Eventually, Mother requested that the family counselor be "unappointed," as these was no need for family therapy in this situation (this was also a long-held position of Father).

In both cases, Father was able to resist demands made on him, by separating the resistance from the conflict between him and the ex. And by showing that the law favored his position. It is absolutely necessary for Fathers to fight every effort by Mother to bring emotion into the courtroom. When Father can focus the case on the law and the legal factors, generally Father will do better. At every turn, Father should express his resistance to Mother's demands in terms of principles, and not just as opposing Mother.

Mother will always say that her demands are "in the best interests of the children.". But this is a conclusion, not a reason. Father can sucessfully fight this by basing his resistance on specific principles.

Also, don't forget the following resources for FATHERS:
---I have created a group at Yahoo! called "Dads In Court."
---I have also written a manual: "Aggressive Pleadings For The Non-Custodial Father," which is on special sale.
---I want to write a library of 5 or 6 such books, focusing on how fathers can USE the legal system, instead of being ABUSED by it.  I am asking for your suggestions as to what the next book should be:
    -Aggressive Discovery For The Non-Custodial Father
    -Aggressive Parenting Time For The Non-Custodial Father
    -Aggressive Custody Litigation For The Non-Custodial Father
    -your suggestion

Also, feel free to use the COMMENTS section to suggest helpful links and websites, and law firms or lawyers you may have had a POSITIVE experience with (no NEGATIVE comments, please. We want to ADVANCE the cause, not just vent and bash people).