Originally posted by Soapets


She needs to document everything that he says and does that could be considered threatening, dangerous, harmful, etc. You, your dad---ANYONE involved---need to record dates and times, and what was said or what happened, etc. If there is a written log of events, it will go a lot further in court than if it is all just verbal recollections. A lot of times in the legal system, if things aren't documented in writing, then "they didn't happen."

It will also allow her, and anyone else involved, to be able to remember things better. Then, if/when he tries to get a court order allowing him to have access to the child, she will have a written log of things as to why it would NOT be in the baby's best interest for this to happen. It will include exact dates, times, verbal threats, and/or physical events. Take pictures of things he breaks, property he damages, etc. Describe what happened, when, how, what was said, etc.
Paula, this is most important. The same thing happened to my sister, and unfortunately I was overseas at the time and couldn't give the help and advice she needed. My parents were getting elderly at this time and were not totally sure what to do. The result was my sister missed out on a few years of her girls growing up. Fortunately her idiot husband was not as smart as he thought he was and we were able to turn things around. On a happier note, my sister got herself together real well, got back into nursing and ended up marrying a terrific bloke. Things aren't the end of the world for your cousin, they are the beginning to a brighter life. Just give her all the support and love you possibly can at the moment, as this road she is on, is still a bit bumpy.
My best thoughts and wishes go out to her, I hope she gets her situation sorted soon.