I had a judge tell me that the court doesn't consider men as nurturing parents and the rest was terrible history.  This is a 1st and 2nd step practice.  Hoping the evidence you bring and the witnesses cause the judge to be alert and reasonable.  The judge is also affected by the disease of alcoholism and its inherent insanity.  Prayers for you.  (((hugs))) 

I will pray that the judge sees the danger to your son if he visits the father. "Progressive" may not mean that the judge is trying to balance past court practices with your son! If he has any sense, he will see the situation as it really is.
I also pray that you will be strong and composed during the hearing.
It truly is in God's hands, and God has always surprised me by giving me even more than I dared dream.

Ksmom, how did it go?  We are sending our warmest thoughts your way.

Thank you everyone for your kind words. I was on the stand for 3 hours. Prior to the trial, the judge asked if I would settle for my son seeing his Father 2 weeks per year for 2 years, them reevaluate. I said no. I was trembling the entire time but God gave me the strength I needed. When I was cross examined,my exes attorney kept repeating "how do you think 1 hour of supervised visitation is meaningful contact" I could only respond with its the best solution right now if the alternative is my son being in danger. I was asked several times why I thought it was fair to have my ex fly in weekly and did I consider the cost burden on HIM. All I could say is, HE chose to relocate far away. He could move back. He could get a second job. I recalled so many traumatic events. Then, the judge said we would adjourn for the day because he had to take his staff to lunch and had something planned at 3 and postponed the trial until June. Then my attorney tells me he won't use my recordings unless he has to (I disagree) and that the judge said there's really no evidence my ex hasn't gotten sober so I should try to settle. I keep reading that sociopaths will exploit any vagueness in custody agreements and my lawyer seems annoyed with my various edits. Part of my demands include mandatory random drug screenings and proof of completion of an IOP. My attorney said it will be difficult to enforce since my ex lives out of state. This is truly a nightmare. Also I realized I still have a lot of trauma to heal from. I thought if I moved away and went minimal contact, time would heal all wounds. But it's been a year and my thoughts are still constantly on him. Mostly out of fear that he will make good on his many threats. Especially now that I've testified in court. He has been texting me ridiculous things such as I he knows I committed purjury and I will be found out, and things of that nature. He also wanted to see our son before I returned home. I told him the only way I felt comfortable with that would be to meet in the police station lobby. he replied that I was sensationalizing my fear to make him look bad. I'm so sick of living in fear. The legal system does not understand the relationship dynamics of alcoholism addiction and personality disorders. Part of me wants to give up. Part of me just wants to accept the fact that I tried the best I could to keep my son safe and utterly failed. Hopefully my ex will just accept the settlement and I'm confident he will hang himself ala another DUI or probation violation, time is on my side. Oh and for some reason, the county won't allow my exes criminal records to be used in this case. it's the only County in my state with this policy. thanks for the prayers. I am going to start going back to meetings asap. I still have quite a journey ahead of me

Thanks for the update KSmom, You did well and I am glad that you have decided to return to meetings. Life is a process and meeting tools work