A question about a child custody dispute?

Question

This is about my sister-in-law, whom I feel is a terrible mother to her four children. She's got 4 kids by 3 different men. Their ages are 3, 6,7, and 9 yrs old.

The oldest two are siblings and their dad (not been in the picture for a few years, due to her not letting him) is currently seeking to get visitation rights through the courts. She has started telling these children that he will beat them, starve them, and not let them do anything while they are with him.

This guy is not a bad guy, he just made some bad choices and has come around. He's been going to church for a couple of years and has been talking with his church pastor about the situation for a few months now.

I am bothered by this because I feel that he has a right to these children, after all, he is their dad.

I feel that she is trying to pit them against him. These kids are nothing to her but a support check and a food stamp check. The way she speaks to them and treats them is infuriating!

I feel it's my business because these children are my nieces and nephews and I am very concerned for their well being.

Any words of advice would be appreciated, thank you.

QUESTION: Would it be wrong of me to call the county courthouse and inform them that she is telling lies to these children?

(Please note: She's made plenty of stupid choices herself, something I'm into going to write about because no one wants to read a Jerry Springer transcript online!)

Answer 1

Rather than call the courthouse, it woudl be better to contact the children's father and offer to testify on his behalf.  Unless you give the information under oath it may not be admissible.  

Answer 2

Is the dad of the 2 oldest your brother?

If you feel they are in danger then it is silly to not say or do something.  If you think she is just a bad mom....I'm not so sure you should get the courts or any government agency involved.  Getting the courts involved causes problems people don't realize.  The courts then rule and dictate the childrens lives and everybody has to go through them to do anything.  The best thing to do would be to support both the mom and the dad and as their aunt, you can involve yourself in their kids lives.  Be the example they need if mom isn't and try to encourage a friendly relationship between the parents as best you can.  

Answer 3

You wrote that your nieces and nephews are nothing to their mother (who is your sister-in-law) except a child support check and a food stamp check. That's about all children are to most custodial mothers: livestock. Little animals from whom one makes oneself a living.