TownHall.com (http://www.townhall.com/columnists/phyllisschlafly/ps20050905.shtml) - When Army National Guard Spc. Joe McNeilly of Grand Ledge, Mich., came home after 15 months in Iraq, he found that a family court "referee" had taken away his joint custody of his 10-year-old son and given full custody and control to the boy's mother.

For five years, McNeilly had had a 50-50 no-problem custody arrangement with his ex-girlfriend Holly Erb. When called up to go to Iraq, he gave her temporary full custody while he was overseas.

While he was gone, Erb persuaded a family court to make her full custody permanent. When McNeilly protested, he was told that his year-long absence constituted abandonment and produced custody "points" against him.

Full article. (http://www.townhall.com/columnists/phyllisschlafly/ps20050905.shtml)

TownHall.com (http://www.townhall.com/columnists/phyllisschlafly/ps20050905.shtml) - When Army National Guard Spc. Joe McNeilly of Grand Ledge, Mich., came home after 15 months in Iraq, he found that a family court "referee" had taken away his joint custody of his 10-year-old son and given full custody and control to the boy's mother.

For five years, McNeilly had had a 50-50 no-problem custody arrangement with his ex-girlfriend Holly Erb. When called up to go to Iraq, he gave her temporary full custody while he was overseas.

While he was gone, Erb persuaded a family court to make her full custody permanent. When McNeilly protested, he was told that his year-long absence constituted abandonment and produced custody "points" against him.

Full article. (http://www.townhall.com/columnists/phyllisschlafly/ps20050905.shtml)

That must be why Michigan just called me. We just outlawed this in California. We are the first state in the union to do so. For reference go to www.sen.ca.gov and look up SB 1082 (Morrow).

Probably some anti-war asshole in the family court trying to punish the soldiers. Kill 'em, Gops.

Probably some anti-war asshole in the family court trying to punish the soldiers. Kill 'em, Gops.

Actually, you wouldn't believe the number of vindicative spouses that view deployment as their opportunity. They don't care about the kids or anybody else except twisting the knife a little bit more. Rarely have I seen more despicable actions than what I saw working on this bill.

Actually, you wouldn't believe the number of vindicative spouses that view deployment as their opportunity. They don't care about the kids or anybody else except twisting the knife a little bit more. Rarely have I seen more despicable actions than what I saw working on this bill.

I fully agree with all the posts in this thread; but Im am curious about your statement of "working on this bill"? Do I know you? I am Michael Robinson who spearheaded the bill, see press:

http://www.military.com/NewContent/0,13190,Gomulka_082905,00.html

http://mensnewsdaily.com/blog/2005/08/california-moving-protections-for.htm

I am also pushing this nationally and in congress. Have been in contact with Reps from Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, NY and NC. We started the federal push months ago but success was dependent on the outcome of the CA bill. We are going for Amendments to Bradley, UCCJEA and SMRA for all states.

It's about time someone did something about this situation. It isn't just deployed soldiers, though. Men in general take it in the shorts in family courts, and it's time things were changed.

I am also pushing this nationally and in congress. Have been in contact with Reps from Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, NY and NC. We started the federal push months ago but success was dependent on the outcome of the CA bill. We are going for Amendments to Bradley, UCCJEA and SMRA for all states.

Out of curiosity,who in Michigan is on-board, and who is not?

Men in general take it in the shorts in family courts, and it's time things were changed.It's not by accident that I'm single and without kids.

Out of curiosity,who in Michigan is on-board, and who is not?

In Michigan Rep. Rick Jones and Senator Birkholtz. When I spoke with Jones staff the impression was that they were only going to address the custody issue. They did ask questions on how we did the child support end. Amending at the federal level will do the trick for all states on both issues.

Thanks. One of my soldiers is going through a similar ordeal, as a result of our last deployment to Iraq.

Jones and Birkholz are not heavy hitters, so unfortunately, I doubt much will be done.