Question:
I'm hoping/praying for some answers. For the first time I do not know what to do in my situation. I have been able to get a considerable amount of things back on my own after our divorce, such as visitation on my schedule and getting to claim my children on even years for tax purposes. But I'm still dealing with an abusive woman in the past. I have filed reports of violence against but never filed to prosecute. Just last Sunday I went to pick up my children, and while putting one of the carseats from her car into my truck, she started arguing with me about the seats. Soon, she grabbed my neck so I pushed her arms away and told her not to touch me again. She started cussing and yelling so I told her to get her car and leave me alone. After several other incidents - slamming the car door on my arm and throwing the car seat at me - she took the kids and drove off. I called the police and they took pictures of my injuries. I stated that I wanted to prosecute. My question is this: When we go back in front of the judge who handled the divorce (she sided with me for my rights) can I request that she be ordered to go to counseling? I am also looking into filing a lawsuit because now I can't help but worry that she may hurt me or worse during the next encounter. I truly do not feel safe any more.
Answer:
I am not licensed in that State of MI and therefore cannot answer you question specifically to the laws of that State. I suggest that you file a Motion to Modify the Custody arrangement and include a provision that places the exchange location at a police station or at a minimum of public location. You can also consider an Order of Protection. If an Order of Protection is entered it maybe used against her in the Modification.
