Conference quokka::non_custodial_parents

254.0. "Custody Destroyed by Hospitalization for Depression?" by TERZA::ZANE (Imagine...) Mon Mar 08 1993 14:38

   I am entering the following note on behalf of a noter who wishes to
   remain anonymous at this time.  Please reply here or send me mail and I
   will forward it to the noter.

   						Terza
   					    -comoderator-
   --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Given that a wife and mother of two small children, 4 & 6, is so very
depressed that she is practicing self-destructive behavior.  And given
that at least part of this depression is based not only on the husbands
emotionless treatment of the wife by the husband, but on the observance of
shame and guilt being used to control the children by the husband.  If the
wife were to allow herself to be hospitalized to bring the depression and
self-abuse under control, and if the wife were at a latter date were to
file for divorce.  Would the hospitalization be held against the wife and
would custody then be granted to the husband?  (btw:  this is in NH)

It is understood that none of the readers of this file are not lawyers, nor
judges, therefore anything said here is purely opinion.  

Also, be assured that the wife is under treatment by a therapist, but since
the only light in her life at the moment is her children, she is determined
not to jeopardize their continued, daily role in her life.

    It would depend upon the fact that there is drug and achocol abuse
    associated with the hospitalization. It would depend upon, if the
    husband wants custody and wants to show that the wife is unstable for
    the nurturing and rearing of the children. But sounds like there is
    fault finding tour already in progress. :)
    
    Peace