Q: Would having someone kill my ex-spouse get me full custody of the kids?

It's a loaded question, but apparently one that needs to be answered for some people. Getting a divorce can be highly confrontational and emotional for some people and result in them exercising poor judgment that may land them—and others who assist them-- in legal hot water.

Some parents will do anything to get child custody. Other parents will do anything for their children--even kill. At least that's what authorities say was the case for one Missouri woman and her father.

The woman allegedly “persuaded her terminally ill father to fatally shoot her estranged husband to resolve a custody dispute.” As if that's not enough, the woman reportedly urged her sick dad to also “kill himself so it appeared to be a murder- suicide”.  

And according to authorities, her daddy fulfilled both of her requests. According to court documents, the woman-- who reportedly works at a jail— “had previously asked to inmates to kill her husband”. Apparently, authorities feel her father's alleged involvement was her plan B.

Assuming that killing your child's other biological parent will automatically result in you getting full custody of the children by default is not wise from an ethical, moral or legal perspective. Criminally-related legal problems, regardless of a conviction, can impact child custody determinations and/or be the basis for one spouse asking the court for a modification order of an existing child custody order or for the child to be placed in the custody of a relative or Child Protective Services, depending on the circumstances.

In addition to parental fitness, some other factors that court considers awarding child custody and when determining what is in the best interests of the child include:

• which parent will be home enough to take care of the child
• who will watch the child if the parent works long hours or at night
• whether the child would be left alone for too many hours.

If you are considering getting divorced in Michigan, the Law Offices of Cameron C. Goulding can help you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

From our offices in Rochester, Michigan, we represent clients in transition throughout Michigan, including Rochester Hills, Auburn Hills, Troy and Birmingham. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.