Fathers Battling Injustice

Custody Trial -- Witnesses

Posted By: Noela
Date: Saturday, 11 March 2000, at 9:09 a.m.

Hi,

My custody trial begins in about 2 weeks -- I've had interim interim, and then interim custody for about 8 month, and the Mum is still contesting it.

I'm thinking of inviting (if they'll) agree, a staff from my kids day care. I believe they have a good knowledge of the activities of the kids when I am at work. Kids are 3.8 yrs and 2 years, and they spend about 6-8 hours in the day care daily. I have to show the court why the custody should remain with me..., and I believe the day care staff can comment on their process of adjustment during this period. The day care has never made any bad complaint (both verbally and written) about the kids to me.

-- Is this a good idea?

-- Will put the day care in compromising position if they are my witnesses (in case they have to deal with my kids Mum in the future?)

-- Would day-cares staff be willing to involve themselves in a divorce trial?

-- The fact is that the trial is about 300km away from my residence (as she was the one who relocated right after separation and has had de-facto custody of the kids, and living there -- hence all court proceedings have been there). What compensations are usually given for out-of-town witnesses?

-- Any tips in selecting and preparing witnesses: I have three close frinds who I wish to call, and I'm hoping that each can provide non-redundant information (ie, each should have a unique role to play). And I thought of balancing their ideas and opinions with "professional" or independent opinion from someone with daily knowledge of the activities of the kids.

Any ideas -- /NN