I am hoping to get joint custody myself. The first hearing with the judge indicated that the judge didn't care about bipolar disorder -- he asked my wife if she were a doctor, for example, and mentioned that "sometimes it just takes an adjustment of the meds." She is stretching it being a problem and wants visitation although we agree on my getting the kids on weekends. I told the judge I was on meds. I got a letter from my doctor which says I've been med compliant and would be a good candidate for joint custody -- the judge didn't bother to get a copy of the letter from me. So I think it might be reasonable to ask the judge to have the father get a letter of recommendation / med compliancy from his psychiatrist. But if there is no criminal record the judge might not care about the bipolar disorder. The judge could subpeana the psychiatrist to appear in court also if he/she wanted.