Please Help

[scaredinmissour]

I filed a pro se motion for modification of custody/visitation. Over the past 10 years we have been to court regarding custody twice with a GAL appointed both times. This is the third time. I cannot afford an attorney and filed pro se. This is very scary and I wish it didn't have to be done. There are numerous issues regarding emotion and mental abuse. I filed a motion for appointment of GAL and received a judgment which stated I was to pay the entire amount to the GAL. In the two prior cases we had both been required to pay half the fee. There have never been any allegations of abuse or neglect against me, only my ex. I don't understand why I am being required to pay the entire amount which I cannot pay. How do I go about withdrawing this judgment? Can I file a motion to set aside judgment? Missouri law requires a GAL when there are allegations of abuse or neglect and the judge will have to appoint one. Was I required to pay the entire amount because I filed the motion instead of waiting for the judge to order it? Thank you in advance for any input.

 

[jharris352]

Yes, most likely since you asked that one be appointed you were tasked with paying for the GAL. Motion for reconsideration is probably your best bet. Why is this action so necessary? What is the cause for the action to begin with?

 

[scaredinmissour]

I've been divorced for 10 yrs. My ex has the boys 53% and I have them 47%. My ex is suppose to be taking two medications to help with stress, anxiety, temper, which is not being taken. For years coaches, umpires, and other parents have been complaining about my ex's behavior. My ex yells and curses at all the children, threatens to kick the umpires butt's, and continually argues and fights with parents on both teams. This has been going on for years. Coaches and people in charge of the sporting events have given my ex so many chances. It has gotten to the point where the coaches and umpires have been told to call the police and have my ex arrested. I have been told all this by the head of the league and coaches. They requested I speak with my children so they will be prepared if and when this happens. Both children have been asked not to come back and play on several teams because of my ex's behavior. The head of the league has stated that if my oldest son get removed from this team he will not be able to find another team for him to play on. For every team they go to play one of my children on - 2 to 3 parents theaten to remove their kids. I have pleaded with my ex to please please stop this behavior. I am willing to do whatever necessary to help him for the boys sake. My ex hates me and spends a considerable amount of time bad mouthing me to any and everyone he can. People I have never met have been hostile toward me because of things my ex says about me. The boys hear the coaches, umpires, parents, teammates, etc. saying bad stuff about my ex. I'm tired of all the complaints. I'm so tired of the boys being made to pay the price. I can deal with all the foul language and lies my ex deals to me but the boys shouldn't be made to pay for their parent's behavior. My ex needs help and I don't know what else to do.

 

[Duranie]

So if the court ordered you to pay for the GAL if is that important, then find a way to pay for it. If this is the 3rd time you have requested one I can see why the courts are making you pay for it. You cannot expect Dad to always pay for this stuff even if you think you have good cause.

 

[scaredinmissour]

First off, this isn't the third time I have asked the courts for a GAL. The first two times the GAL was appointment because the Dad's behavior and issues of abuse. There have never been any allegations of abuse by me, not by anyone, not even the father. I have never complained about paying half of the GAL before even though I felt it wasn't fair that I had to pay for half when I have never ever abused my children. The father has admitted to abusing the children. The father is the one who is suppose to be taking medications to help him deal with his stress and anger but is not. Why I have always paid is for the benefit of the children.