Oh, dear readers, strap in and buckle up because today I’ve got a spicy tale fresh from the Reddit oven that’s so juicy, you might need a napkin or ten. It’s a real story from a real person, which only adds to the delicious drama of it all. Our protagonist, let’s call him ‘Dad Extraordinaire,’ finds himself in a conundrum that sounds like it’s straight out of a soap opera—except it’s painfully real. So, let yours truly, Roger, be your guide through this labyrinth of love, law, and lunacy.
Once upon a not-so-happy time, Dad Extraordinaire and his ex, ‘Felonious Jen,’ decided that love wasn’t in the cards for them, but hey, they did get two adorable kids out of the deal. Fast forward through some co-parenting highs and lows, and the plot thickens when Jen decides to audition for the role of Financial Fraudster of the Year—and, plot twist, she wins! By ‘wins,’ I mean convicted. Sentenced to a cozy 24-30 months behind bars, with a potential early release if she plays nice.
Now, you’re probably thinking, ‘What’s a dad to do?’ Well, our dear Dad Extraordinaire decides that amidst the chaos, a fresh start is in order—one where the past doesn’t haunt his kids’ present. So, he makes the excruciating decision to move 1,200 miles away to be closer to his own support system, leaving behind Jen’s disapproving family and their threats of mythical ‘grandparent’s rights’ lawsuits.
Cue the dramatic music as Jen’s family accuses our guy of parental alienation and dangles the ‘but she’ll be out soon’ argument like a carrot. But let’s not forget, we’re dealing with a felon, folks. Dad Extraordinaire, armed with a shiny full custody order and a legal green light, decides it’s relocation time. But alas, the road to peace is paved with angry in-laws and guilt trips.
So, here’s where I weigh in—Roger’s Hot Take, if you will. Is moving away an easy choice? About as easy as solving a Rubik’s cube blindfolded. But is it the right one? Absolutely. The wellbeing of Dad Extraordinaire and his kiddos trumps hurt feelings and legal bluffs. Kids need stability, love, and an environment where ‘Mom’s a felon’ isn’t their defining feature.
The moral of the story? Sometimes, the hardest choices are the bravest ones. And to Jen and her chorus of critics, remember: actions have consequences bigger and badder than a simple ‘my bad.’ So, let’s raise our glasses to Dad Extraordinaire, unsung hero of common sense and fresh starts. May his journey be smooth and his in-laws’ memory short.
And to you, dear readers, remember: life’s too short for bad choices and stale drama. Until next time, stay sassy, stay smart, and stay reading. Roger, out.
Original story
My ex-gf, Jen (34F), and I (35M) have 2 kids together (8 & 6). We never married and broke up about 3 years ago. We had court-ordered split custody and for the most part co-parented well together. Things were going pretty well until last year Jen was charged with felony financial fraud. Earlier this year she was convicted and sentenced to 24-30 months in prison. With good behavior she will probably be out in about 18-months.
When we found out she was pregnant with our second child, she pushed me to move closer to her family so that she be closer to her support system. I agreed despite my concerns about having to find a new job and the COL being higher, but we made it work. I have a good job here, but I’m lonely and stressed with the 2 kids.
Before Jen’s trial I had petitioned the court for full custody and it was granted. Jen’s family helps when they can but they aren’t my favorite people and we don’t always get along well. After some conversations with my family, I decided to move closer to them to try and get a fresh start. I will be moving about 1,200 miles from where we currently live. I informed Jen about this the last time I took the kids to visit her. She was not happy and had some choice words for me.
Her family is also tearing into me about this. They are threatening to sue for grandparent’s rights (which aren’t really a thing in this state). They are also accusing me of parental alienation for taking the kids away from their mother. They are convinced that Jen will be out in 18-months and that isn’t too long in the grand scheme of things and isn’t worth taking the kids away. Especially since after Jen gets out she will have restrictions on travel that will make it harder for her to see the kids.
I do feel a little conflicted about it, but I know I am doing the best thing for me with this decision. I also believe it will be better for the kids to go to a school where other kids don’t know their mom is in prison. I have cleared all of this with my lawyer and he assured me that I am doing everything by the book and that since I have full custody and Jen is currently incarcerated, she has no legal standing to try and stop me. He also said that the grandparent’s rights thing has about a 1% chance of even getting in front of a judge.
I have had to threaten Jen’s parents with cutting them off if they don’t stop pressuring me to stay. The whole situation is a mess and my poor kids are stuck in the middle. I am trying to do the best thing for them in the long run even if the short-term is going to be hard.
I understand why Jen and her family are so upset. But, at the same time, she got herself into this situation. I do feel bad for her, but also, you’re a felon now, Jen. What the hell did you think was going to happen?