Custody battle - Ex-wife determined to prove stepmother unfit

[concerned72]

What is the name of your state? Texas

My husband's ex-wife is determined to prove me an unfit stepmother. My husband has had custody of their now 10-year-old daughter for the entire time of their divorce (almost eight years), and has retained custody during two other battles for custody of this child. My husband and I married five years ago. In short, the ex-wife has, on several occasions, filed reports against me to state agencies, even taking the child to a psychiatric hospital, in an effort to suggest to all parties involved that I have been intentionally cruel, mean, and heartless to their daughter. Cases reported to state agencies have been closed - no legitimacy to the claims. The alleged suicide attempt the then 8-year-old daughter made (because of my "mean nature") has been documented in hospital records and doctor's notes to be nothing of the sort. There was no suicide attempt. The doctor's advised my husband and his ex-wife there was no legitimacy to the mother's claims of a suicide attempt by their daughter. Still, the mother has continued to wage her war against me. Granted, my stepdaughter and I have not always seen eye-to-eye, but I have never screamed at her, never cursed at her, never called her names, never hit her - EVER. She has been very well taken care of, wanting for nothing at all. She has never gone without food, never gone without a bath, never gone without proper clothing. My husband and I have seen that her educational needs are met as well. Earlier this year, my husband and I separated, in large part due to the chaos the ex-wife has caused in our family and our marriage. The ramifications of her attempts have had an impact not only on the marriage, but also on my biological daugters, and my immediate family. My husband and I are still legally married, still visit one another often, in fact, we still participate in family outings. Because my husband and I are still involved, his ex-wife is taking him to court, once again, for custody - indicating this time it is for reasons that I am unfit. How can I best prepare myself for this battle? Does she have any legal legitimacy to tell him he can no longer see me? Will the past accusations she has made of me (of which I have been cleared) have any grounds in court? Any advice would be appreciated!

[snostar]

You are not party to the case so there isn't much you can do except keep your ducks in a row and one eye over your shoulder. She can't force him to no longer see you, that is his choice alone.

[stealth2]

While she can't force him to stay away from you, she could potentially have you restrained from being near the girl.