Mediation result: CE picked instead of GAL. Mistake given my documentation?

[Family Court Strategies: When Your Partner Has BPD OR NPD Traits.]

Mediation was last week and I thought the GAL would be helpful because:  I have lots of documentation highlighting my ex'es behavior and lack of parenting.    My ex has stepped it up since I moved out.    Am worried the CE will look at current behavior (and not my prior documentation), and look more favorably on my ex.     My L said we can bring up past documentation in court but I am worried it is so cumbersome and a GAL would help summarize it.     My ex clearly did not want the GAL.   

My L also said I would save $ avoiding the GAL, which I am all for.   My L sad the GAL would refer to a CE.

And she said my ex'es BPD would be highlighted to the CE and through psych testing.    Maybe she is right, but I already have documentation to prove it.

Without a GAL, can I get someone to review my journals/recordings/emails/personal references to highlight my ex'es personality?     Do I get my own GAL as a potential witness?     I think this would be a great investment.

Looking to let my L know my next response with an upcoming hearing this week.

[trappeddad]

Mediation was last week and I thought the GAL would be helpful because:  I have lots of documentation highlighting my ex'es behavior and lack of parenting.    My ex has stepped it up since I moved out.    Am worried the CE will look at current behavior (and not my prior documentation), and look more favorably on my ex.     My L said we can bring up past documentation in court but I am worried it is so cumbersome and a GAL would help summarize it.     My ex clearly did not want the GAL.   

My L also said I would save $ avoiding the GAL, which I am all for.   My L sad the GAL would refer to a CE.

And she said my ex'es BPD would be highlighted to the CE and through psych testing.    Maybe she is right, but I already have documentation to prove it.

Without a GAL, can I get someone to review my journals/recordings/emails/personal references to highlight my ex'es personality?     Do I get my own GAL as a potential witness?     I think this would be a great investment.

Looking to let my L know my next response with an upcoming hearing this week.

[Matt]

My suggestion would be to learn all you can about the CE and how she will go about her job, and to ask her if she has the authority to require both parents to take an objective psychological evaluation.

Here's why:

People with psychological problems can sometimes fool even a professional like a psychologist, if they go based on subjective perceptions.  But objective psych evals, like the MMPI-2, can sort out problems even if the person tries to fake it.  My wife was diagnosed with BPD and other stuff, even though she "presented falsely" - that is, lied.  The MMPI-2 can determine when someone is trying to fool it, and still identify the psych disorder(s).

The CE will probably talk with each of you individually, and it might be good to summarize your ex's behavior, and you can also offer documentation if she wants to see it.  Be careful not to focus too much on what's wrong with your ex, or do an amateur diagnosis.  And be open to learning about yourself and taking steps to make improvements.

My own MMPI-2 result was OK, but showed a higher-than-average risk of addiction.  I talked with the CE who said not to worry too much, but make sure I used good judgment about drinking, and keep seeing my therapist - what I was planning to do anyway.  By contrast, he recommended my wife get psychotherapy, but she didn't do it.  It helped me, not because I was perfect, but because I accepted the test results and went with what the CE recommended.

Your lawyer can probably tell you how things work where you live.  Maybe she also knows the CE or can find out how she does her job.