Is Evil Step-Mom a Reason to Get a Modification of Custody? (Part 2)
Written by: Tracy Augustin
In “IS EVIL STEP-MOM A REASON TO GET A MODIFICATION OF CUSTODY?” (Part 1),
you learned some solid reasons for asking the Court to modify Father’s parenting time and/or custody (legal decision-making).
To help you better figure out whether you have grounds for a modification of custody, I have put together the Top 5 List of Step-Mom Acts that Won’t Get You a Modification.
You may be surprised, but many clients have come to me with the following reasons as to why a modification is appropriate.
What if stepmom doesn’t know how to brush hair?
TOP 5 LIST OF STEP-MOM ACTS THAT WON’T GET YOU A MODIFICATION
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Step-mom doesn’t cook (i.e. the kids eat fast food all the time when they are at Father’s). Also, step-mom doesn’t clean the way I do, etc. You get the idea. Not enough.
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Step-mom doesn’t know how to do my daughter’s hair correctly. I have also heard the complaint that step-mom took the child to get a haircut, and it was ugly. The Court doesn’t want to hear about trivial matters.
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Step-mom doesn’t return my child’s clothes to me. Do you always return their clothes back to them? Chances are, you haven’t been perfect either.
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Step-mom makes my children do chores. Face it, this might be a good thing. Of course, you don’t want your kids slaving away, but chances are, that’s not happening.
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Step-mom looks at me and/or my children funny. Really?
Remember, although you’re really not going to like it, this new individual in your children’s lives is, in fact, a parental figure to your child. Everyone will benefit, adults and children alike, if everyone gets along and is respectful to each other; that being said, there may be legitimate reasons why a modification of custody and parenting time is appropriate now that Father has remarried. See Part I. In thinking about your situation, try to keep in mind that no mother is always perfect, step-mom or not. We’re all going to make mistakes in child-rearing at some point or another. The key is not to hold it against someone, if the mistake is forgivable (and most probably are). Remember, you might be a step-mom yourself one day!