There is something that the lawyers can do!

[jctadema]

Jurisdiction

Washington

I know a woman who holds a job, has kids, and pays for their schooling. She's going through a cruel divorce. Her husband keeps dragging her to court because he wants the kids, but he has no job and does not live in good conditions. He is forcing her to pay child support and does not contribute, even though he does not have the kids. This is the third time he is taking her to court in 7 weeks. Is there anything that she can do? Is there a limit on the number of times that he can take her to court. It seems cruel and unusual that he keeps taking her to court.

 

[justblue]

I know a woman who holds a job, has kids, and pays for their schooling. She's going through a cruel divorce. Her husband keeps dragging her to court because he wants the kids, but he has no job and does not live in good conditions. He is forcing her to pay child support and does not contribute, even though he does not have the kids. This is the third time he is taking her to court in 7 weeks. Is there anything that she can do? Is there a limit on the number of times that he can take her to court. It seems cruel and unusual that he keeps taking her to court.

Your friend should ask her attorney.
You could also refer her to this site if she would like to get guidance from the volunteers.

 

[Zigner]

We are only getting one side of the story, and it's a second-hand story at that.

Some might say that dad is using the court system to try to enforce his rights to be a part of his children's lives.

 

[Red Kayak]

I know a woman who holds a job, has kids, and pays for their schooling. She's going through a cruel divorce. Her husband keeps dragging her to court because he wants the kids, but he has no job and does not live in good conditions. He is forcing her to pay child support and does not contribute, even though he does not have the kids. This is the third time he is taking her to court in 7 weeks. Is there anything that she can do? Is there a limit on the number of times that he can take her to court. It seems cruel and unusual that he keeps taking her to court.

Perhaps you could suggest that the woman create her own account.

I've not heard, legally, of a "cruel divorce". It does sound like it's a "contested divorce". And informally, it does sound high conflict.

You are an outsider. Outsiders, no matter how well meaning, DON'T have the full story. I have seen wildly different results from the same judge/court among families with, on the surface, similar stories.

For example, I know a woman who was told by the law guardian that she was lucky to have any custody/parenting time at all. (super TL;DR version) While I'm sympathetic and find her version credible, and her ex is a widely viewed as a loon (mocked in local newspaper and radio), perhaps there's more to the story. I went before the same judge when I first separated from my ex, and had a far different (better) outcome. Our mutual acquaintances were surprised. But the key is, I had better advice and took it. (For example, while one's first instinct might be to flee to your parents, don't do that if it involves crossing state lines.)

The limit on how often "he" can take "her" to court is subject to how often his petitions result in the court putting things on the calendar.

No one can limit the number of his petitions except for him.

However, a judge can eventually decide to be picky about what they choose to entertain.

The only thing the woman that you know can do is to be calm and respectful at court appearances, and hope that she comes across as the more credible party.

 

[army judge]

It seems cruel and unusual that he keeps taking her to court.

A divorce remains a civil matter.

There Might be UNPROVEN allegations of cruelty, however there's nothing CRUEL about being subpoenaed to appear in court.

Divorce actions can be addressed expeditiously, as long as the litigants agree to stop quibbling.

Barring the sane solution, its best NOT to become engaged in matters related to domestic relations issues.

I've been licensed to practice law for decades. During that time, I've only assisted a relative seeking divorce from an abusive, lazy, alcoholic, ne'er do well, brute of spouse.

As I suggested above, you're better off NOT choosing sides in these matters. In fact, I quickly disappear myself whenever someone approaches me about a divorce.

Heck, I've represented some heinous louts in criminal matters, such as murder. I'd choose to represent an accused murderer, over a divorce litigant any day.

 

[EeeeekitsaMouse]

I know a woman who holds a job, has kids, and pays for their schooling. She's going through a cruel divorce. Her husband keeps dragging her to court because he wants the kids, but he has no job and does not live in good conditions. He is forcing her to pay child support and does not contribute, even though he does not have the kids. This is the third time he is taking her to court in 7 weeks. Is there anything that she can do? Is there a limit on the number of times that he can take her to court. It seems cruel and unusual that he keeps taking her to court.

What does "does not live in good conditions" mean?

 

[welkin]

This is the third time he is taking her to court in 7 weeks.

That statement does not make sense. It would mean that every 2+ weeks something new is filed in court. No attorney would do that so, if true, the husband is acting Pro Se. Nothing I know of in a divorce proceeding, custody battle, or change of circumstances happens that quickly.

So, please explain.

 

[Red Kayak]

Heck, I've represented some heinous louts in criminal matters, such as murder. I'd choose to represent an accused murderer, over a divorce litigant any day.

By the time my divorce went to trial for cause I thought maybe it should be considered cruel and inhumane treatment of the judge for having to deal with our case. LOL.

 

[zddoodah]

Her husband keeps dragging her to court because he wants the kids

Her husband? So...she's married? Or did you mean ex-husband? What does "keeps dragging her to court" mean?* What does "he wants the kids" mean? Wants physical custody? More visitation? Something else?

* - I'm contemplating an answer along the following lines: "Over the past [period of time], he has [filed things - be specific; done things - be specific]."

He is forcing her to pay child support

That makes no sense. Is there a child support order issued by a court?

Is there anything that she can do?

Sure. Highest on the list of things she should do is hire an attorney. If she has an attorney, then she should be discussing the case with him/her.

Is there a limit on the number of times that he can take her to court.

Doubtful, but it depends on what exactly "take her to court" means.

By the way, how are you connected to this situation, and does this woman know you're posting this?