You know, the people I have the most problem with are the relatives of hers who worked for the courts and somehow managed to make things happen that should never have been able to happen. If I was going to try to find a way to go after someone I would be wanting to go after them...and anyone who helped them.
However, I would perhaps wait to do so until all of the children are over age 18...or are completely protected against the actions of the court in question.
This OP is not the first, or even the second/third/fourth/fifth person I have encountered who had to deal with something like this. We all want to believe that it cannot happen, but I have had clear evidence that it sometimes does. Very direct and clear evidence. So clear and correct that other judges, in other states, simply TOOK jurisdiction in order to right those wrongs.