Son left in Middle East while mother and father are in USA. Help please!

[dimamarcel]

My jurisdiction is: Colorado

I am the mother of a 12 year old boy who is being retained in Jordan by his father. Please note that neither my ex nor his family kept in contact with our son for the past 12 years of his life and he hasn't paid child support for a total of 7 years out of the 12.

My ex-husband (who lives in New Orleans) has managed to take physical custody of our son in Jordan and placed him in his sister's care although I have full custody in the USA (I live in Denver, CO) and I managed to have a bench warrant for my Ex's arrest for not complying with a Colorado court order to lift the travel restriction.

I'm currently working with both of the State department and the NCMEC trying to find a way to pressure my ex into surrendering our son to me.

I am looking for someone to point me in the right direction on how to go from there whether be it enforcing the bench warrant I have in Louisiana or filing criminal charges for interference in Custody.

I should mention that I went to Jordan with my son and upon coming back to the US I found out he put a restriction on our son's travel out of Jordan.

 

[dimamarcel]

I was going through a moment of despair half an hour ago when I received a phone call from a law firm I found online. They have a pro bono program and so I decided to approach them and ask for their help. I did the same with a number of law firms by the way. They were the only ones to come back to me right away and tell me they'll try to find someone and today they called me telling me one of their lawyers will be helping me with my case. I just emailed him all the documents I have. Please keep me and my son in your prayers.

 

[dimamarcel]

An Update

Hi Everybody,

It's kind of sad to see the number of people who read my post but did't make any suggestions.

Anyway, there's been alot fo things going on since the last update.

My son was physically punished twice in the last four months over the most stupid of reasons. Once with a pair of slippers - yes that is correct SLIPPERS and the second time was with a broomstick. All the American embassy was able to do is a welfare visit coz in Jordan beating a child is not considered abuse.

My lawyer and myself have been in contact with the NCMEC and the Colorado Childrens' Clearing House who have been working tirelessly at trying to convince eithe the local law enforcement in Colorado or Louisiana or the FBI to press charges against my Ex for cutodial interference but no luck so far.

Please keep us in your thoughts.

Thank you,

 

[Proserpina]

I've been following your story on the other board, and you're certainly in my thoughts and prayers.

 

[jharris352]

See the next post.

 

[Proserpina]

I personally hope you get your son back, but I'm sure someone advised you against marrying a Muslim/Arab and you flatly ignored them, so why would you listen to us? When you play with fire you get burned. Good luck, I hope you get him back but it isn't likely.

Oh J, in this instance, there's a whole lot more to the story. Please, don't scold her. Y'know? Just this once. I've been following her story on another board and yes, she's made her mistakes, but scolding her right now just isn't helping her


(and you KNOW how much I respect your input - please though, on this one? Op needs a break in more than one sense)

 

[jharris352]

Ok, I have 7 kids now and I definitely feel sorry for her no matter why it happened. I truly do hope you get him back.