Divorce Advice for Men | Fathers Rights Divorce | Child Custody

If it is done via certified mail, what date is it effective? I travel a lot so is it imperative that I pick it up immediately? Additionally, my wife says she filed a restraining order and when I asked what the grounds were, she wouldn't tell me. She only stated that I can read it. I have never given any reason at all for a restraining order and am wondering what the implications are for a restraining order. Is it something I should contest?

My wife and I have been separated for almost three years. During the custody battle, my wife wrongfully accused me of abuse in order to get full custody of or 3 children. She has tried to prove her case in 3 different courts(Long Island, Queens and Brooklyn). All of them were thrown out since there was no evidence - only accusations. This process took an awfully long time as we were trying to get a final custody order. My wife refused to sign the final order unless I agreed to a voluntary order of protection without admitting any guilt on my part. My lawyer advised me to sign just so we could go on and so I did. At this point, however, it is increasingly more difficult for me to arrange any kind of communication with my children. She often turns off their cell phone (which I pay for) and constantly passes angry messages though my children. My 10 yr old son is usually the one that gets involved and he is very uneasy with this role. I have no way to communicate with her or her family and that's very frustrating when, for eaxmple, I am stuck in traffic and might be late for pick up (public place) or need to get my son involved in conversations that are not pleasant . Therefore, I would like lift this order.What arguments are valid in lfting such an order?

I am a married man of almost eight years. My wife and I have two children (boys) ages 5 & 7. For years now, my wife has been saying how unhappy she is with our marriage. We have been to counseling without any positive results. When we argue, she will use profanity in reference to me in front of the children. She has, on many occassions, called me a moron, idiot, ignorant, plus many more very hurtful things the children do not need to hear. For the first time though, this morning while the kids were getting ready for school, she actually hit me in the face with her hand - gave me the middle finger - and said to get out of her face. Again, all in front of the kids. I have tried my best to let her know she has a problem with her temper being very short, they way she speaks to me in front of the children, the way she treats me in public with friends and/or strangers. I want to have some kind of official record of the hitting that took place this morning. I know our marriage is over. What options do I have as far as who can I report the physical contact to? Where can I get legal help? (I have very little money) Where can I get emotional support? (kinds of support groups)