A parent's family testifying for other parent in custody case...

I could not agree with you more on everything you have said. Especially your point about the "In-laws" lending great credibility to your allegations of abuse. Many people believe that they should stand beside their children no matter what, but there are a few who are willing to speak up and do something, if they see something wrong, even if that means pointing the finger at their own child. I just wanted to add my voice, to youngsweethearts here, and to say, documents document, document. Every detail, every time you see it. And if at all possible, have someone outside of the family, to witness anything you see. Another thing I would like to add, although I'm not an expert either, would be to keep your son's routine as normal as possible. I cannot imagine what a stressful time this must be, for your husband and yourself. If at all possible, try to let your son know, how much he is loved. Try to keep all of this adult custody stuff, from him as much as possible, as there is nothing he can do, and he doesn't need all of the adults fighting over top of his head so to speak, while all this gets sorted out. You also may want to consult a social worker, psychologist or counselor of some sort, and ask their advice as well. All the best!

Another questions, sorry, but if you notice these bursies on him, have you called the police? Have them visit your home, say you just picked the boy up, you'v been noticing these things and you're worried. I would think if this is scary enough that her family will testify against her, why is he still in her care????

I re-read what I posted and it sounded a bit harsh to me. For that I am sorry. There are so many parents in our area that are afraid to call the proper places because they feel they will be investigated for it. The system fails so many people. I hope this goes in your favor and this little boy learns to appreciate you and all the efforts to keep him safe. God speed you to that court hearing.

To answer all the questions yes we have pictures of the suspicious bruising and scratching. We've also called child services and the police... the police said that since we couldn't prove that they were actually doing anything there was nothing they could do. The bruising wasn't enough seeing as how he's still a toddler himself, he's going to get bumps and bruises so there wasn't any proof of anything nor anything they could do. The police and child services have been called on them more than once but nothing has ever been done. So like all of you, I have no idea why something hasn't been done either but something that a lot of people these days don't understand is that the system does fail us. And since he is still too young to say anything, nobody will do anything because "he's a toddler and all toddler's get bruises and scratches. But when we get him, he usually doesn't have a lot of bruises, just one's that are in weird places like on his ear or back. The most recent suspicious markings were on his forearm and there were three bruises in a line next to each other that looked like finger prints. We have pictures of only the suspicious bruises that we plan to use. The bruising always seems to be clearing up when we get him.