Parents refuse to vaccinate a child. Are others at risk?
-- Worried
Dear Worried: My understanding is that a "lifetime" (or "permanent") restraining order is issued through the courts, after both sides have presented evidence. The allegations would have to meet a standard of proof at this hearing. Your husband's "crazy" ex would have had to convince the court that her allegations were true and that she was in continuing danger.
Your husband allegedly went to court twice to try to get this lifted, but was unable to convince the court that he was no longer a danger to his ex.
Understand that if the ex-wife is volatile, having a restraining order in place would also protect your husband from any contact with her. Without contact, she can't continue to make allegations. Why appeal it?
You don't mention who sent you these documents, but you should assume that the person was trying to warn you, and yes, you should take this very seriously. You should go to the courthouse in the county where the alleged offenses happened (if you are able) to access these public records for yourself, or see a lawyer to try to verify them -- and the claims they contain.
You can also contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at thehotline.org.
Dear Amy: Your answer to "Worried Sister," who was concerned about exposing her adolescent daughters to her violent, sex offender brother over the holidays was spot-on. That answer ranks as one of the best pieces of advice you have ever written.
-- Cynthia
Dear Cynthia: Thank you. My advice was to trust her instincts.
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(You can contact Amy Dickinson via email: askamy@amydickinson.com. Readers may send postal mail to Amy Dickinson, c/o Tribune Content Agency, 16650 Westgrove Drive, Suite 175, Addison, Texas, 75001. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or "like" her on Facebook.)
