Do I have a case?

[NC Mom in Indy]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Indiana

My daughter's stepmom is extremely overstepping. She has been referring to herself as my daughter's mom. She signs notes, cards, and gifts Mom or Mom & Dad. My daughter hates this, and refuses to call this woman Mom. She is now punished by her dad and stepmom for her refusal to call this woman mother.

Can I file a civil suit against this woman? If so would I file in the same court that heard our custody petition, or would I file in Dad and Stepmom's county?

I have things she signed Mom and Mom & Dad. My ex refuses to cooperate with this as well. He will not stop referring to his wife as our daughter's mom.

Do I have a chance?

 

[justalayman]

do you have a chance?

not really.

You can ask the courts to order what you are seeking but in reality, it most likely will not be done and is unenforceable. I could call myself mom and give a card to your daughter with no legal recourse by you.

Can I file a civil suit against this woman?

Not one that you are going to win. The courts are full of suits that have no merit so technically, yes, you could but it is a waste of everybody's time.

I don't know how old your daughter is but a simple discussion telling her there is a difference between a person that makes you call her mom and one the you want to call mom would most likely be appropriate. It's only a word. It's up to you to not over-react to the situation.

 

[NC Mom in Indy]

do you have a chance?

not really.

You can ask the courts to order what you are seeking but in reality, it most likely will not be done and is unenforceable. I could call myself mom and give a card to your daughter with no legal recourse by you.

Not one that you are going to win. The courts are full of suits that have no merit so technically, yes, you could but it is a waste of everybody's time.

I don't know how old your daughter is but a simple discussion telling her there is a difference between a person that makes you call her mom and one the you want to call mom would most likely be appropriate. It's only a word. It's up to you to not over-react to the situation.

My daughter is 9, and she complains about the behavior of her dad and stepmom. You may think that is is only a owrd, but to a Mother it is more than that. Everyone has a mom, and yours would be hurt to think that you think her name is only a word. This is about much more than a word. It is my name, title, what I am in my daughter's life.

Beyond the fact that I am the only woman with the right to be called Mom by HER daughter, this woman is oversteppping in SOOOOOO many ways. She has represented herself as my daughter's mom at school events, the docotr's office, and in other places. She needs to remember that she is a LEGAL STRANGER.

Actually, your attitude towards my situation one of the reasons that people think that things like this don't merit the attention of the court. I am one loud voice among thousands whom are in this situation. If I was a dad complaining about another man pretending to be my child's dad Im sure people would be all over this!

 

[anteater]

If I was a dad complaining about another man pretending to be my child's dad Im sure people would be all over this!

And you would be wrong.

 

[TinkerBelleLuvr]

Beyond the fact that I am the only woman with the right to be called Mom by HER daughter, this woman is oversteppping in SOOOOOO many ways. She has represented herself as my daughter's mom at school events, the docotr's office, and in other places. She needs to remember that she is a LEGAL STRANGER.

Has she done this on school records? Do you have copies of her representing herself as mother on doctor/dentist records?

 

[justalayman]

NC Mom in Indy;2238355]My daughter is 9, and she complains about the behavior of her dad and stepmom.

all kids complain.

You may think that is is only a owrd, but to a Mother it is more than that.

That's right, to YOU it is more than that but to a court, it isn't.

Everyone has a mom, and yours would be hurt to think that you think her name is only a word.

. My mom knows what a mom and it has nothing to so with a word.

It is my name, title, what I am in my daughter's life.

I will bet you are making more of this than your daughter.

Beyond the fact that I am the only woman with the right to be called Mom by HER daughter

If you make a big deal about this, your daughter is the one that is hurt. It is only a big deal if you make it a big deal and it sounds like you are.

, this woman is oversteppping in SOOOOOO many ways.

Well, when she oversteps involving something the courts care about, deal with it. This isn't it.

She has represented herself as my daughter's mom at school events, the docotr's office, and in other places. She needs to remember that she is a LEGAL STRANGER.

Then YOU need to notify the school, the doctors office, and other places that she is not allowed to make decisions for your daughter due to the relationship. Don't be surprised if dad says she was only telling them what he said though.

Actually, your attitude towards my situation one of the reasons that people think that things like this don't merit the attention of the court.

No, it doesn't merit court attention because it is an attempt at control. on your part.

I am one loud voice among thousands whom are in this situation.

Then run right out and plop down your money and take dad back to court and ask them to order the other woman not allow the girl to call her mom.

If I was a dad complaining about another man pretending to be my child's dad Im sure people would be all over this!

Uh, no, I wouldn't. I would tell him the same thing.

If you have this poor of a relationship with your daughter that you feel her calling her step-mom mom is somehow disparaging to you, you either have self esteem problems, have control issues, or have caused a poor relationship with your daughter and you see this as one more step away from you.

Each of those are your problems.

Don't make them your daughters.

 

[NC Mom in Indy]

Has she done this on school records? Do you have copies of her representing herself as mother on doctor/dentist records?

Yes I do. I have copies from the Doctor, Psychologist (2-3 visits), Dentist, Allergist, School, Girl Scouts, Daycare, and Summer Camp. I also have copies of corrected records. Stepmom listed herself as Mom. She put down her phone number, cell phone number, and work number. She answered the questions on the Physicians forms with her listed as the Mom. The ones pertaining to history of illness in each family, heart disease, cancer, female problems, etc. She gave incorrect information, because her family history has NOTHING to do with my daughter's history.

Her actions are irresponsible, and have the potential to cause harm to my daughter.