Dear Dr. Archer,
I'm a 56 year old father, who was married for 17 years. I have two children, a daughter and son. I have been their caregiver for 16 years -- their entire lives. I've even gone through the 604 (b) evaluation.
I now need help on how to convince the female psychologist on my position. In Illinois, it seems that if you don't have breasts, you're going to get screwed; it's a very female dominated state.
I also need help with father's rights. Please offer me any kind of help you can -- psychological or otherwise. Thank you.
Tom
Dear Tom,
For the sake of our readers, a 604 (b) evaluation is a neutral evaluation, most often performed by a child psychiatrist/psychologist acting as a neutral party in custody cases. They're not supposed to favor mother or father.
Time is spent with the child and each parent, and all documents at hand are reviewed. Ultimately an opinion is given in writing to the judge who will then make the final custody decision. Weight of the mental health professional is considered, but it's never a slam dunk; that is up to the judge.
Custody cases, no matter where, Tom, bring out emotions like nothing else. Parents do irrational acts and shocking things to make sure they get the custody. Male or female, it doesn't matter. As the father of two children you obviously love, my advice is to never give up. Read
The Power Of Hope, Tom; never lose sight of Hope, no matter what.
My advice is simple: Seek council with the
Men's Legal Center in Illinois for assistance and guidance. They specialize in helping fathers gain custody of their children in your state.
I wish you well.
Dr. Archer
