Just living out my nightmare and wondering if anyone can advise. My wife recently experienced a psycotic episode (mental illness runs in her family) and during the illness a serious marital concern (not of my doing) inadvertantly came to light, just when you thought it couldn't get any worse. I'm not sure what will transpire but its serious enough that divorce may result from it. I'm wondering how her mental status would effect a custody ruling if it came down to that.

I cannot answer that. I am not a mental health professional. I say that because having a problem does not preclude someone from being a good parent. She may need to seek some professional help and maybe medication and counseling, but unless the condition untreated makes her a danger to herself and the kids, it may have no effect if she deals with this challenge effectively and timely.

to dad in PA

custody rulings can go either way based on the evidence.

there are discrimination laws that protect certain classes of people

as long as she is in treatment and taking care of her mental problems
it is very likely that it could have little to no effect on the outcome of her custody case.

if however you can prove that she has a significant history of letting this stuff go until she is beyond help then you must in the best interests of the children allow the court to hear this evidence.

rini