That’s a very sad situation for all involved, and I am sorry to hear it.
My comments were not directed at your personally. Having gone through a nasty divorce/contested custody, I can say that it was worth fighting for joint custody, and insisting that the Decree be enforced virtually to the letter. My Decree (and I am sure most others) include restrictions on Mom/Dad, or their agents, talking negatively about the other parent & family. These are most likely hard to enforce except in the most egregious of circumstances. So maintaining a close, meaningful relationship with one’s children from a young age, and while the opportunity presents itself, is critical.
I think too many men take the position that Mom is going to win anyway, and she is going to leave anyway, so why fight it? But this is a potential disaster for the child.
I spent roughly twenty years after my divorce trying to get them as children and then adults to work with me to keep in touch.
I finally gave up.
Thanks for the advice.