Women are not exaggerating when they say that men are manipulating and weaponizing the family courts against them. This costs taxpayer dollars, destroys women’s lives and causes lifelong trauma to the children. A mother from Kansas shares her story about this failing system.

************************

For over 11 years, I’ve been locked in a relentless legal battle with my ex-husband fighting for my children. 

After our divorce in Missouri, I was awarded 80% custody of our five children. I thought this would finally bring peace and stability. However, despite the court’s clear ruling, Kansas refuses to recognize or honor that custody agreement. 

Since then, my ex has manipulated the system, using everything possible to keep my kids away from me.  I haven’t seen or spoken to my children in over 250 days. I’ve missed countless moments that I’ll never get back. 

Every day without them is a painful reminder of how easily the system can be used against a loving parent. I was even assigned a reunification therapist, but after months of delays and a conflict in our last session, she quit. Now, a new therapist has been appointed.

The courts continue to focus on reunification therapy while ignoring the false accusations made against me. The false allegations remain unresolved, leaving me in a cloud of suspicion with no defense. 

My financial situation has deteriorated—without child support, mounting legal fees, and the emotional toll of this fight, I’m barely hanging on.

Kansas continues to ignore the custody arrangement I fought so hard for, leaving me in limbo. I feel utterly powerless, caught in an endless cycle of court hearings, legal documents, and painful separations. 

My heart aches every day, but I refuse to give up. I’ll never stop fighting for my kids. 

Mom in Kansas

Read by Elizabeth Stewart-Williams, MDR, survivor of DV & the Family Court system

Created in collaboration with: Sublime Life