We only live 1/4 mile from his children and ex. She refuses to address him as "dad" to the children. She does not allow us any information about the kids daily lifes. She tells the children lies about their father, which in turn makes them scared of him. She is well known in the community for causing trouble and lying. What can we do. We hear the children tell us how their step father takes a spatula to them to punish them. We are at a loss on what we can do. We can’t financially afford a lawyer who will charge us thousands of dollars.
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I’ve actually been contemplating legal action against my ex too. Different situation, mind you, but I still want to amend what the divorce decree says about custody.
The retainer that the lawyers are asking for is anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000. Sorry, but that’s the way it is. I’d get a lawyer PDQ and make sure you guys have equal time with the kids, to make sure their mom doesn’t do irreparable damage to the relationship between the kids and their dad (your husband).
P.S. In the new parenting plan that you’ll construct, you can specify every detail, including whether or not using a tool (e.g. spatula) for spankings is allowed. Once that agreement is in place, you’ll be able to take even more drastic action if they (his ex and her new husband) violate it.
This is tough. There are some agencies that help out low income families by providing them with free legal help. Unfortunatly it sounds like that where you’re going to end up.
Have you tried the department of social services, I know just saying that phrase conjures up negative thoughts, but sometimes, they can help. If you fear that your children are in an abusive environment when they are with their mother, it is your obligation to protect them. Call Child Protective Services. I know that seems like a dirty thing to do, but it doesn’t seem like your ex is being too nice.