Unfortunately in this country divorce rate is high. In addition, divorce/custody is a VERY lucrative business. The people who run the system say they are looking out for the best interest of the child. Bullshxx. In cases where one parent or the other is clearly the more appropriate one for full custody (in cases of abuse, drugs, putting child in harms way) fine...trampse people through court to testify. But, in most custody battles mom and dad are fairly equal...normal people who love their kids and couldn't make a marriage work. But, the system MUST make one parent good and one bad. That's how the lawyers get paid and referred. So, one parent gets all the power and the other ridicule...and I don't care how it's actually written in the final agreement...try getting something in that agreement changed. Try getting the parent who doesn't show up at the meeting place in trouble, try complaining about not knowing when school programs are occurring or doctors appointments...you are told, file with the court...money for the lawyers, then you wait months for a court date, which your lawyer has to go to (day off of work for you, payment to the lawyer), then the judge MAY say he/she is in contempt...slap on fingers/warning. You go home 1k poorer. After this happens 5-6 times you give up. Custody cases go on way to long. Sometimes it's almost a year before you can even get in front of a judge. There is supposed to be a system in place, mediation, to help you come to an agreement without court and no one in the system actually makes that work. They ask each person if they agree to this or that and if one says no even if they are being unreasonable...your going to court. The other thing the system does is it allows one person prey on another. I have been in a situation and seen situations where one parent will quietly poke and poke until the other finally loses it...and then it's well look at that. This is just that type of case. She is as much to blame and not innocent in this at all. Oh yea, the other thing in court...you aren't allowed to be angry! That too is used against you...