Co-parenting after a divorce can be challenging, especially if an ex-spouse is not being cooperative or if there are parenting time issues in dispute. However, there are certain ways to go about getting the attention of an intractable co-parent, but posting a fake obituary about the death of the child is probably not the best way to go.
Police are investigating a Colorado man who posted a fake obituary about the death of his 7-year-old son in late August. The obituary has caused concern among authorities because the man's son is alive and healthy and living with his mother. It remains to be seen how whether this controversy will affect current child custody arrangements.
The father claims he received a phone call from the county Human Services Department notifying him that his son had died. The department has denied the allegation. According to the obituary, the boy died on Aug. 8 in a hospital in Denver.
The father seemed surprised when told his son was alive. The man's ex-wife, however, stated that there is no reason for the man to think his son was dead, especially since the father hasn't called the boy in over a month.
It is unclear at this point if the posting was a hoax or a genuine mistake. It is also uncertain if the man will be charged with a crime since posting a fake obituary is not illegal.
Some parents may be tempted to take extreme measures to get ex-spouses to work with them on child custody and divorce legal issues. However, it is always better for all involved to take the proper legal steps to resolve a custody or support dispute.
Source: Huffington Post, "Jason McCoy Files Fake Obituary For 7-Year-Old Son Seth, Who's Alive," Andy Campbell, Sept. 7, 2012
Tags: Denver, child custody, family law, visitation
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