I have joint legal custody with my daughter’s father; he lives in Janesville, has 3 more children since our daughter, isn’t active in her life, and we’ve had hygiene & safety issues every time she’s came home from a visit. Since 1999 when our divorce was final, he has been able to indirectly control my life, my future, and my success through the joint legal custody arrangement. He makes no “noise” unless either he gets taken back to court for not paying support, or if I follow my dreams/goals, and in turn contact the courts to get permission to do so AND take my daughter with me. When the court hearing is in session, he all of a sudden plays “concerned father”, and the judge falls for it. This has been an on-going dilemma for me & my family for almost 12 years in so many ways.

My daughter was diagnosed with having ADHD when she was young, I was recently diagnosed with having ADD, and my son is in the process of being evaluated. Throughout the past few years, I have been researching best options for education, therapy, and management skills for my family. Amidst doing this research, I have found that Milwaukee isn’t in the “top 10” for areas that are knowledgeable, cooperative, or even compassionate with such struggles as we have daily. Also, my children have been faced with many struggles with their education.

For example, my daughter has an Individualized Education Plan; but I don’t feel that is sufficient. There have been evaluations done with regards to her academic levels, and she -has been rated at least a grade behind in more than one area. Because of this, I have been doing research on schools that are “equipped” for children with such struggles & special needs; needless, to say, NONE of them are in Wisconsin. Not that we don’t have any support or resources, but I’m looking for the best possible that my children can get for their needs, as well as my own! Throughout my research, I have come across some other areas of the country where there has been done extensive research & studies on, as well as extensive support & guidance for people like my family to not only improve their lives, but also give them the best possible chance at a great & productive life.

To make a long story short, I am seriously considering relocating to another part of the country; but am not willing to leave my daughter here with her father. I know she will not get the kind of support, guidance, treatment, and help that she badly needs & deserves. I am a struggling single mother financially here as it is; so getting a high-priced, famous attorney is out of the question for me. At the same time, my children’s success, growth, improvement and all is next to oxygen as a necessity for me. I truly need some legal guidance, and possibly representation; for my daughter and for my family’s opportunity to LIVE.

Can anyone help me with this? Where do y'all live & how's the resources/schools by you?

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