Navigating a Custody Enforcement: How One Military Dad Found the Support He Needed

Brenden, a dedicated soldier serving overseas, found himself in a heart-wrenching situation: separated from his young son due to a challenging custody arrangement. 

The challenges faced by military parents are unique, and Brenden’s situation was no exception. Deployed overseas, he struggled to maintain a consistent presence in his son’s life. Feeling lost and overwhelmed, he turned to Robinson & Henry for help. 

His journey to reconnect with his son and secure his parental rights was filled with challenges, but with the support of Family Law Partner Rachel Bentley he found the guidance he needed. Brenden spoke with R&H Marketing to discuss his experience working with Rachel.

Past results afford no guarantee of future results; each matter is different and must be judged on its own merits. Facts are those of an actual Robinson & Henry case. We used only our client’s first name to protect his privacy.

The Struggles of a Military Father

Brenden’s story is one of resilience and unwavering dedication. As a service member, Brenden faced unique challenges that made it difficult to have a consistent presence in his young son’s life. The time difference, military obligations, and physical distance created barriers that seemed tough to overcome.

“I was obligated to the military in Germany, my time was off by almost eight hours. If I was trying to communicate with my son, I would have to wake up at 2:00 in the morning, and I’d wake up to call my son happily, don’t get me wrong, and there would be no answers,” Brenden recalls. 

The frustration and helplessness of being so far away, along with the inability to connect with his son, weighed heavily on him.

Despite his best efforts, including a previous attempt to secure legal representation, Brenden found himself in a bind. 

“I didn’t get exactly what I wanted. I know bad work when I see it,” he said of his previous lawyer. The experience left him feeling lost and desperate for someone who truly understood his situation.

Finding the Right Legal Team

Determined to find a lawyer who could help him understand the legal complexities of his custody situation, Brenden turned to online reviews. 

“I was big on reviews. I looked through and honestly Robinson & Henry had high reviews throughout,” he said. 

After a consultation, Brenden knew he had found the right team to take on his case. Robinson & Henry’s compassionate approach and willingness to listen made a world of difference for Brenden. 

“They probably got a little waterworks because I was like, ‘I just need somebody,’ and they were quick to jump on it,” he shared. 

The initial consultation set the tone for a professional relationship built on trust and understanding.

A Lawyer Who Listened

When Brenden connected with Family Law Partner Rachel Bentley, he was upfront about his lack of legal knowledge. 

Unlike his previous attorney, Rachel provided clear, step-by-step guidance throughout the process.

“I was lost. I talked to previous lawyers, and they got on to me like, ‘You don’t know what you’re talking about.’ But when I called Robinson and Henry, I just said, ‘Listen, this is the issue. I don’t know what to do.’ And they just basically took the reins,” Brenden explained.

Rachel’s approach was hands-on, breaking down each step in a way that Brenden could understand. This was important for Brenden as he was juggling military duties while trying to stay involved in his son’s life from afar.

Overcoming the Hurdles

One of the most significant challenges Brenden faced was the time difference and his demanding military schedule. 

He was often out in the field for weeks or even months, leaving him with little time to focus on the legal battle. Despite these obstacles, Rachel’s team kept him informed and involved, ensuring that every decision was made with his input.

“Every little detail of what was supposed to happen, they gave it to me. And I’d be like, ‘Yeah, do you think that’s the best route?’” 

Brenden appreciated the collaborative approach. It allowed him to feel more in control of a situation that had previously felt out of his hands.

Rachel and her team listened to Brenden’s frustrations and crafted a strategy for his situation.

A Renewed Connection

With Robinson & Henry’s guidance, Brenden began to rebuild the relationship with his son. Rachel’s efforts paid off. 

Brenden began receiving phone calls from his son again, and eventually, he was able to be with his son on Christmas and his birthday. 

“I got to see my son for the first time, for Christmas and his birthday.” Brenden said, his voice filled with emotion. “I couldn’t stop thanking [Rachel] for that one.”

The bond between Brenden and his son, once strained by distance and custody challenges, began to heal. Brenden’s son now recognizes him as his dad.

It’s a profound change that Brenden attributes to the efforts of Rachel and her team.

“He’s more active in the phone calls now because I got that extra time with him,” Brenden shared. “Now every phone call, it’s like, ‘It’s my dad. It’s night and day from before.’”

Reflecting on the Journey

Looking back on his experience, Brenden is grateful for the support he received from Robinson & Henry. The firm’s structured and efficient approach resonated with Brenden. 

“They use their time efficiently. Rachel made sure she budgeted everything,” he explained.

For Brenden, the outcome was more than a legal victory. It was about reclaiming his role as a father. 

“Rachel taught me a lot of things,” he said. “She was more or less just teaching me how to be better as a father, as well.”

Brenden’s journey is a reminder of the importance of choosing the right legal representation, especially in situations as personal and emotional as child custody. 

For him, Robinson & Henry helped him handle the most challenging chapter of his life with compassion, expertise, and support.