Custody battle

[MidWeekSlump]

Has anyone (female) ever given their ex custody of a child on a temporary basis, for a job, or as a result of PND or coersion from the ex and then tried to win custody back? What are the chances with a 2 year old?

Worried about a friend who had pnd/ ex asked for temporary custody while she battled pnd but now refuses to hand child over/ is using child as a tool.

Any advice public or private greatly appreciated.

How long has your friends ex had custody? I think the length of time the child has been with dad could come into play as would things like is there good childcare in place, has mum managed to seek help and overcome PND, has mum got stable home and job etc and is able to provide stable upbringing etc

I only know of one male friend who has been in similar position(on the other side of the fence to your friend) His partner walked out when the baby was just a few months old - she made little attempt at contact,and i'm not sure of all the ins and outs as to why she walked out, but 2 years later came back with the shock announcement that the child was not his (turned out he was not the biological father) and just expected my friend to hand her over!. My friend had raised that child single handedly for 2 years and now loved her desperately. Despite not being biolgical dad he fought for custody and won.....but that was 20 years ago and he has been a wonderful father to her and his other children he went on to have.

He never tried to prevent contact with the mother but it seems she was not too fussed as she's not really bothered much over the years.

As always, legal advice is a must in this situation, as is looking at what is in the best interests of the child

was the ex given custody via court or just informal agreement with mum?

Friend has overcome PND, has job and home. (& had paid half of all childs costs since split)
Whole arrangement was informal and temporary. Has been that way for about 6 months.