When being a stepmom really sucks...

Question

This all started a couple years ago, DCFS was involved in a child abuse case where mom had been accused of severe child abuse and neglect, while my husband was out of town. Anywho court had ended, mom was returned custody and mom decided that she just didn't want to let him see his 2 year old son anymore. So after saving up for a year for a lawyer and all that fun stuff we finally got joint custody established (real mom and my husband were never married and apparently DCFS doesn't situate custody). This all came into place in July... I was 25 weeks pregnant. I guess the frustrating part was that it was very noticeable that I was pregnant and I even let the lawyers know that I could go into labor during visitation.

Anyway we asked mom if we could trade weekends as I'm set to have this baby on the 23rd. Her answer is that she has plane tickets to leave town that are non refundable and we are irresponsible for not taking Aiden on scheduled visitation. I don't even know what to say! This is the same woman who is still on felony probation for Child Abuse, I was unaware you could leave state lines for vacation... so there's a chance my husband will have to miss the birth of his daughter because we don't have anyone who can baby sit, everyone decided to leave town this weekend. What should I do?

Answer

Mmmm. She shouldn't have any custody of her child at all. I'm trying to work out how she does. Felony child abuse is pretty hard to get without killing a child so... I'm wondering what she did and who she fu&ked to 1) get out of jail and 2) get custody of her child.

If she is on probation, she needs to clear it with her probation officer before she crosses state lines, I don't know what probation officer would give a felon permission to leave but it does happen. Maybe call the probation officer and let them know? 
Y'all should have full custody of this kid is basically my point and yalls lawyer took you to the cleaners if they weren't able to get you full custody.

Anyway, I know children at births isn't ideal in a hospital setting but being present at a birth is such a great experience for children to learn and bond with their sibling etc.

Answer

I don't know too much on the probation part, but if family services is still involved she has to clear it through them before she even leaves town, let alone the state. I'd contact the family services caseworker to address your concerns if they are still involved.

Answer

I would look into a local childcare facility that is close by the hospital, pick about two, and have it set up where hubby can pick up baby anytime with just a phone call, Dont sorry mama it will fall into play. Their are people like my mom who do childcare out of their home. And are licensed by the state.hope all works out for you. Dong focus on what the other mom is doing focus on family moments y'all are about to create. My older kids have a gift from new baby jus a simple toy of their choice

Answer

I would talk to your lawyer. Felons that are on probation can't normally leave the state.

Answer

Depending on the state, I believe it is illegal to leave when you're on probation, because the can't "monitor" you. I would 'talk' to a lawyer about that issue..