Today I learned that my custody battle, which has been two years in the making, and is my second attempt to gain custody of my sons, is finally over. I tried once before, and the same judge decided not to grant my motion. I only took my ex-wife back to court at the request of my oldest son, who said he wanted to change schools to live with me.

My ex-wife was a state trooper for several years, then moved to city police. I left her for cheating on me. For years she was verbally abusive, threatening, misused her badge and professional courtesy from other cops, etc. She tried several times to charge me with domestic violence, but it was dismissed each time due to lack of substantive evidence, and recordings, documents, and affidavits reinforcing my side.

In the summer of 2013 I asked the to court order a custodial evaluation from a family psychologist. The judge granted my request and ordered my ex-wife to participate. Last August the evaluation showed that I was the better parent, and the doctor's recommendation was for my sons to live with me. By that time, school was in session and the judge didn't want to rule during the semester. She has always shown concern for moving the boys during the school year. My ex-wife was also entitled to cross-examination of the psychologist and the witnesses I called to share their experience with my sons and ex-wife. She failed to depose the doctor or make any effort to question his findings or anyone involved in any way. She instead made an offer to settle, which i declined.

Last month at our court date, the judge said she was ready to make a decision, and told both parties that she would rule, but didn't tell us at that time what that ruling would be. This judge also has a reputation for being a man-hater. I'm not just bashing her, either. If you google her name, the top results contain phrases like "abuse of power" and "dyed in the wool misandrist" and she was found guilty of several counts of judicial misconduct a few years ago. She was also up for reelection in November, and lost. Last week was her last week on the bench, and my sons were with me all through the holidays. Christmas came and went, and there was no ruling. New Year's eve came and went, and there was no ruling. The courthouses were closed Jan 2. I was convinced that our window had passed and that we were going to have to schedule a hearing in front of the new judge who swore in today. I dropped the boys off last night, back at their mom's, crestfallen and feeling defeated.

This morning, I woke up, picked up the phone, and called the courthouse. The clerk told me that the judge signed a ruling on Dec 31, and had received it this morning. The clerk read the order to me over the phone, and as she spoke I broke down crying tears of joy. She said I could come pick up a copy of the order (for 25 cents per page) and that it was effective immediately.

I spent today collecting my sons from their respective schools in my ex-wife's town, and picking up enrollment papers in my county. They start school tomorrow in my town, and are happily enjoying popcorn on my couch as I type now.

By the way, my ex-wife lost her badge after I divorced her. She was found guilty of violating a domestic violence order she had requested against a boyfriend who was also a convicted felon.

I have frequented this subreddit for a couple of years now, and have found useful tips, encouraging words, and motivation to continue in my fight. Thanks to each of you, and if you are in a similar situation, document everything, keep your cool, and be a father to your children, a husband to your wife, and all that a good man should be.

TL;DR: Man hating judge ruled in my favor over my ex-cop ex-wife.

Edit: Some grammar and wording stuff. X2