So the soon to be ex-wife calls me up and seems one of her friends has convinced her to join the Air Force. That's all good that she wants to better herself, but here's where the problem arrives.
See, we were originally gonna do a joint custody of my kids and both live here in SA. But now, if she joins they could send her ANYWHERE and she says SHE wants custody which would basically make me have to follow her wherever she has to go for Uncle Sam if I want to see my kids.
This totally pisses me off because I have been the best parent I can be considering the circumstances and she has put little effort into being one for the past 6 months. Now, with a "contested" divorce here in Texas, she could win custody of our kids and I'd be a {censored}ing nomad if I want to be part of their lives.
This was NOT the original plan for the divorce and she has gone and thrown a {censored}ing monkey wrench in the godamn spokes. I can't be without my kids. I won't do it. I WILL NOT be a weekend dad (or worse yet a once or twice a year dad).
I'm so {censored}ing pissed right now I don't know whether to punch something or just breakdown and have a good cry. {censored}!!!!
That's pure selfishness, I shouldn't wonder if the possibility of screwing you over on the kids is part of why she wants to join? Talk to a lawyer and see how this effects things. Mothers are usually favoured, but in this case - well as an active duty service person she won't be able to offer a stable background. a.) There's a chance she will be away for months on active service in a foreign country. b.) If she's moving all over the country it is not good for the kids, who will have to constantly change school, make new friends etc. It has been proven that such nomadic lifestyle does not help children achieve good grades... find some of that research to throw up in court. c.) It will no doubt involve some shift work. So this *could* work in your favour. I should imagine that if you can offer a stable income, a stable home and are intending to stay put so your kids can stay in the same school, have the same friends etc. then it'll all count in your favour other somebody that'll be working shifts, travelling all over the country etc. If you ask me, chances are that your wife shoots herself in the foot if she tries that one and you will stand a much better chance of getting full custody.