Ex-wife secreting children's whereabouts

I am a joint managing conservator of my children; however, my ex-wife designates the children's primary residence, and I have visitation. My ex-wife and I are not currently living in the same state, and I was informed by a friend about a week ago that she and the children have moved. I have had no contact w/the kids since Christmas day. I have attempted to contact the Mother and my eldest son on their personal phones several times, leaving voicemails and text messages in regards to their whereabouts. I have still received no reply. I know that my ex-wife and I each have the duty as stated in the court order, to inform the other in a "timely manner" of sigificant info. concerning the health, education, and welfare of the children. I have asked several times about their whereabouts, with no reply. I believe the Mother is taking advantage of the fact that I cannot come to Texas right at this moment and find out what is going on. The mother has also been facing deployment for some time w/the US army, and has stated before that she would send the children to Maryland, to live w/her mother should she be deployed. However, she legally cannot do that either because I am the father-and legal guardian in her absence. My biggest fear is that this is the case and she is secreting their whereabouts from me intentionally to keep me from having temporary custody, (which is my legal right). I guess my main question is, in this instance what is the legal definition of a "timely manner", since she won't tell me where my children are? How long should I allow for a response before I take legal action? I am extremely worried and concerned!

[tanja53]

Originally Posted by Unregistered

I am a joint managing conservator of my children; however, my ex-wife designates the children's primary residence, and I have visitation. My ex-wife and I are not currently living in the same state, and I was informed by a friend about a week ago that she and the children have moved. I have had no contact w/the kids since Christmas day. I have attempted to contact the Mother and my eldest son on their personal phones several times, leaving voicemails and text messages in regards to their whereabouts. I have still received no reply. I know that my ex-wife and I each have the duty as stated in the court order, to inform the other in a "timely manner" of sigificant info. concerning the health, education, and welfare of the children. I have asked several times about their whereabouts, with no reply. I believe the Mother is taking advantage of the fact that I cannot come to Texas right at this moment and find out what is going on. The mother has also been facing deployment for some time w/the US army, and has stated before that she would send the children to Maryland, to live w/her mother should she be deployed. However, she legally cannot do that either because I am the father-and legal guardian in her absence. My biggest fear is that this is the case and she is secreting their whereabouts from me intentionally to keep me from having temporary custody, (which is my legal right). I guess my main question is, in this instance what is the legal definition of a "timely manner", since she won't tell me where my children are? How long should I allow for a response before I take legal action? I am extremely worried and concerned!

I don't know much about the legal law. But I do know about the moral law.
I don't think you should waite at all. It has been over a month since christmas. And even if they are kids they will always remember what went on when they were younger. And they could really take a lot of harm if parents don't stay good parents after a dicorce. I believe in that you do divorce your spouse but not the kids.
I have been child in a divorced home. And I am a divorced mom with now older kids. The youngest 19. And even after all these years 15 to be exact. Me and my ex husband are still friends and do talk. And have family gatherings with kids ,grandkids and new partners. And the kids do thank us for being responsible grown ups. .So follow your heart what is best for your kids . They will thank you one day. Good luck.