# Hear ye, hear ye: a cautionary tale about keeping the one-eyed trouser snake in check **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [July 30, 2003, 4:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hear-ye-hear-ye-a-cautionary-tale-about-keeping-the-one-eyed-trouser-snake-in-check/191840 "2003-07-30T04:52:59Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 4\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Ogre](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/ecb155/32.png) [@Ogre](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ogre)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2003, 6:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hear-ye-hear-ye-a-cautionary-tale-about-keeping-the-one-eyed-trouser-snake-in-check/191840/21 "2003-07-30T18:13:15Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Sauron \* > \*\*[It could be worse.](http://www.al.com/search/index.ssf?/base/news/105929757363150.xml?birminghamnews?nmet) \*\* I knew Alan and Terra. Terra was an ex-girlfriend of a friend of mine in Birmingham, and I think they remained close. I used to hang out with all of them when I was in the city. Found in the trunk of their car…those fucking bastards. AS for the custody question, I don’t know. I suspect the attorney’s fees would finish breaking my friend, but I’m not sure. I would gladly testify on his behalf, but given that I’m in a different state and only see him occasionally, I’m not sure my testimony would mean anything. ---
**Author:** ![Aries28](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e36b37/32.png) [@Aries28](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aries28)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2003, 6:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hear-ye-hear-ye-a-cautionary-tale-about-keeping-the-one-eyed-trouser-snake-in-check/191840/22 "2003-07-30T18:23:28Z")
What state is your friend in? Maybe a Doper might have some legal advice or at least find some info on custody and the like for that state? You are right about one thing…it costs a hell of a lot to go to court even when you are in the right. Some judges will ask each party to split the costs but most times, based on my experience the one who brings it to the courtroom ends up with the huge legal bill. Best of luck to your friend. Sounds like he is a stand-up guy. If he thinks he really might have a case to get custody then I say charge ahead no matter the cost. ---
**Author:** ![Sauron](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ce7236/32.png) [@Sauron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sauron)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2003, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hear-ye-hear-ye-a-cautionary-tale-about-keeping-the-one-eyed-trouser-snake-in-check/191840/23 "2003-07-30T18:41:36Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Ogre \* > **I knew Alan and Terra. Terra was an ex-girlfriend of a friend of mine in Birmingham, and I think they remained close. I used to hang out with all of them when I was in the city. Found in the trunk of their car…those fucking bastards.** Holy cow, man. My condolences. I had just read that story yesterday, and your friend’s situation made me think of it (although obliquely). ---
**Author:** ![PunditLisa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/4af34b/32.png) [@PunditLisa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PunditLisa)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2003, 8:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hear-ye-hear-ye-a-cautionary-tale-about-keeping-the-one-eyed-trouser-snake-in-check/191840/24 "2003-07-30T20:28:32Z")
Your friend needs an attorney. Here in Ohio the courts can order Mom to get a job. If she refuses, they’ll deduct what she should be earning from the child support payments. I know this because my brother-in-law’s ex-wife didn’t want to work. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hear-ye-hear-ye-a-cautionary-tale-about-keeping-the-one-eyed-trouser-snake-in-check/191840.md?page=1)