Case 1: A mother (Filipina) who lost custody of her son and support due to lack of correct legal counsel.
I came to this country in early 1990 as an immigrant and certified teacher from one of the US State's Dept. of Educ. I was married to an American engineer for 14 yrs. which ended in a painful divorce. The settlement was not fair, my lawyer made me sign against my will the agreement my husband wrote before the divorce. I lost custody of my son whom my ex-husband took away to live with him in another state outside GA. I was tore apart after my son left me that I could not function for 7 mos. I had no job and no alimony. In addition to these, my house was hit by hurricane Ivan which caused a lot of money to repair the damage. I became broke so I filed bankruptcy. It was a tough decision to make.
When I moved on, I applied for a position in a county public schools. I have not heard from them. I was a scholar from the University of the Philippines, I am a BSEED graduate with master courses in teaching, awarded outstanding teacher of the year, best classroom, best teaching demonstrator, excellent service, a model teacher, hard-worker, great with children, bi-lingual,etc. My transcripts were evaluated by the national creditors as equivalent to a US bachelor and master's degree.
When my son was abused by his stepmother, I called the Child Protected Services for help but to no avail. The case worker said, there were no bruises and blood in my son's body which are signs of abuse so there is nothing they can do about it. I was horrified with what she said. In Christmas 2005, my son refused to go back to my ex-husband and his step-mother. My son begged to stay with me. I asked for legal advice and was told that I could be charge of kidnapping if I don't send him back to his dad. My heart broke to let him go. When summer vacation came, I filed change of custody, but the judge dismissed the case without a hearing. He was the same judge who executed our divorce in the same county. Late September,2007, I was terminated for the cause I did not do intentionally. Prior to my termination, I received a great teacher award for a job well done.
Recently, I applied for unemployment benefits while looking for a job but I was denied. I was given food stamps for 2 mos.and was cut off because I was told to work 27 hrs./mo. in DFACS office to pay for it. I lost trust with the system after what I've been through. I believe that God's law is above all laws. He's my great defender who is very powerful and just. He would bring justice to those who trust in him. One day I'd get back what were taken from me. Praise His holy name forever!
Return to previous page