SuperTmo
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In my experience if CPS involvement doesn't result in permanent removal, the dependency court reunifies the parent and typically reverts to the original custody arrangement. Then it's up to the other parent to go back to the family court and try to change custody.
It appears this dad sought custody in depdnency court but was denied as reunification took place and he lacked the funds to fight it out in the regular family court.
None of this is unusual and may say nothing about dad but a lack of resources.
I agree. A lack of resources is a big reason why a lot of non-custodial parents arent able to enforce the parenting plan. Someone said that any court will let you declare yourself indigent to waive the cost to get divorced but that is just the filing fees. Legal aid cant provide services to everyone so a lot of time there just isnt help when it is needed.
Even though there is the ability to represent ones self in these matters, it isnt easy to do, especially for the non-custodial parent. In my state the judges prefer to not change the residential parent and will do anything to avoid it. Watching the hearings at the pro se docket in our family court is really eye opening. I feel badly for this dad.