Fate - Chapter 39 - Court Drama
Fate
Chapter 39: Court Drama
POV: Zac / Cassandra
**I am not a lawyer/judge; so some of this and others may not be 'correct' in procedures**
December 4, 2006
Our trip home from Florida had been uneventful and waiting in my box were her divorce papers. Cassandra was officially divorced from Calvin. She had elected not to change her name back to Morgan because it would be a hassle to do right here during the holidays.
Yet, I dreaded today so much because we had to be at the courthouse early, unlike her divorce hearing though I had a nine am court time and while I really wanted to leave her and Joshua at the house, Mrs. Fernbank said it was important I bring him at least, in case things went her way and it showed that I wasn’t intentionally holding him from her.
I was awake and had both myself and Joshua ready before I got her up, she had showered the night before so she just got dressed and we headed to the courthouse. She brought his stroller so she didn’t have to just hold him the whole time. We were on time and I requested that while I wanted her right behind me, that she sit in the very back with him and that no one could take him but me and her.
We were promptly called at nine and took our places, a quick glance said Cassie was sitting in the very last row, in the corner with his stroller blocking them in. Megan’s lawyer was a middle aged black man with a goatee and bald head. He wore an impressive suit and looked expensive. The judge came in and everyone was sworn in.
“I understand we are here to examine the issue of reestablishing parental rights? Whose rights are we reinstating the father’s?”
“No, Your honor. We are here to reestablish the mother’s.” Her lawyer said.
The judge seemed quite shocked that it wasn’t my rights we were trying to get back but hers. She then reviewed whatever papers she had in front of her and looked at us both and then reviewed more papers.
“Mrs. Rosen, is there a reason why you signed over your rights?”
“My client was locked away in a rehab facility for over five months, she was constantly told she needed to give up her baby for adoption and think about him. She had chosen adoption and had the papers prepared when Mr. Hanson filed for full custody. She felt like she had no other options left and knew she could not fight him in court.”
“Your claim says that she was coerced into giving up her rights, is your client aware that she would have had to do the same for adoption?”
“Yes, your honor, she was prepared to do that.”
“Your honor it sounds like she just didn’t want my client having custody.” Mrs. Fernbank said.
The judge eyed her for a moment and her attention went back to Megan.
“Why are you asking for reinstatement of rights now?”
I expected the lawyer to speak for her but it was Megan’s voice I heard.
“I regret signing the papers and, while I understand that under adoption I would not have any options to reinstate, the father of my child has custody. I wish that I had not signed and that I had fought him months ago instead of just giving up.”
I held my tongue because I tried to give her that chance. The judge nodded and then turned to me.
“The papers indicate that your client, Mr. Hanson, is responsible for having Mrs. Rosen put into rehab, was there a reason why?”
“Yes, your honor. My client was informed in January that Ms. Rosen was partaking in illegal drug use. Specifically, cocaine. He came to me and before we filed we established through multiple individuals that she was in fact taking drugs knowing she was pregnant. The individual even stated that she asked and she said she didn’t care because she wouldn’t be dealing with the child, her exact statement according to the friend is included with the papers as there were some choice words. My client filed so that his baby wouldn’t be born addicted to cocaine or with physical or mental development problems associated with the usage.”
Her brow raised and she looked down at the papers, which included Reed’s statements on what her words were, even other witnesses were there.
“Your honor I object to these statements as any grounds. The baby’s father had told her to leave and that he never wanted to see her again, she was upset and worried about what to do. By this point abortion was not an option so she had no choice. Her statements are a product of anger and fear, not her true feelings.”
“And in those very same papers are the notes from the rehab facility where they had to force her to routine doctor’s appointments.” Mrs. Fernbank said.
The judge took another several minutes to review paperwork.
“Mr. Hanson this says that you sought full custody initially, but you were open to her involvement in the child’s life? What changed?”
“Nothing changed your honor, I was willing to do visitation until she proved she was free of drugs but when he was born she had already signed the papers giving up rights, at that point I asked that they be amended.”
“I’d like to add that her initial lawyer in this process informed me that she wanted to give up custody much sooner, but he refused to let her sign until her options were fully considered.” Mrs. Fernbank said.
“Ms. Rosen is that true?”
“Again your honor, my client was being held in a rehab facility against her will, via an injunction filed by a man that abandoned her when she told him she was pregnant, she was unsure of how she felt about her own life, let alone the pregnancy. You should understand that pregnancy is a scary thing.”
The judge had a true poker face, she didn’t seem affected by anything either of us said! She consulted the papers in front of her and then looked at her.
“Why do you want your parental rights to be reestablished?”
“I would like to see my son, I tried addressing his father before and he refused to allow me to even see him. I realized that my choice hurt myself and my family whom have no rights to see him either. I would like for him to have his mother.”
She nodded. “I’m going to call a quick recess and review the papers. We will reconvene in one hour.”
What could she possibly need to review?! Mrs. Fernbank and I walked back to Cassie who had Joshua sitting up supported by blankets playing with one of his toys. Megan and her lawyer did not stay in the room, nor did I presume her family.
“She can’t be seriously believing that bullshit can she?” Cassie asked.
“It’s unclear at the moment. But, we will file whatever we have to.” She replied.
I swear it felt like the longest hour of my life, but Cassie’s hand had mine and she’d held it tightly.
“It’s going to be okay Zac, I believe the judge will make the right choice.”
I laid my head over and since her divorce was final this was allowed now and I really needed this comforting feeling. When court was called back we returned to the front.
-Cassandra-
I felt as bad as Zac did because while I wasn’t there to witness her words in person, Zac had and her calling him names was just so uncalled for. Yet, she was standing there acting like she cared about Joshua? It was bullshit and the judge should know it.
Joshua was just babbling away at his toy but I could smell it, that sign of a poopy diaper, the smell. I got the diaper bag and picked him up, making sure he was covered even now and headed to the bathroom. Zac would know I wasn’t far if he saw the stroller still there. He was content laying on the changing table and I got the pants off, onesie undone and the dirty diaper off and even got him clean. All the while be babbled and cooed at me. I got the clean diaper under him, powered and was fixing the clothes, getting the onesie snapped.
“Mama.”
For a moment I thought there was another kid in here but when I turned there was no one else in the bathroom. Yet, I could still hear it, mama, and I finally realized it was Joshua saying it. It didn’t quite sound clear, but it was clear enough to me.
He’d just called me Mama and the emotional side of that sent me reeling for several minutes. Before I was able to finish redressing him and getting things gathered. I then picked him up.
“I’m not sure if your dada wants me to be your mama.”
“Mama..”
I didn’t know where he’d learned it because I always said dada to him but never mama and I hadn’t heard Zac saying it either, but knowing my parents it was them. I returned to the courtroom and resumed my seat, I sat Joshua facing me in my lap and kept him company. But, I could hear what was being said. Each side was arguing over something.
“This is my courtroom and I have already stated what will happen! Inspections for the homes and I want to hear from these individuals before I make my final decision. I am fully aware that the holiday’s are around the corner but your client should have considered this, reinstatement of rights because she suddenly wants to be a part of the child’s life is not grounds to compromise the child’s wellbeing. Until I have determined the nature and safety of the child, then the current situation will apply. The child will remain in the full custody of the father. The next court date is January 8, 2007 at nine am. I want witnesses here in this room at that time. Court is dismissed.”
I remained sitting here with Joshua covered until Megan had cleared the end of the aisle and then I met them. Zac looked beyond stressed.
“What did I miss? I took him to be changed.”
“She is actually considering giving her rights back.” Zac said.
“No. She can’t.”
“We have to bring in witnesses to her behavior and basically prove she’s not fit to be a parent. I don’t see how doing drugs during the pregnancy isn’t a good enough reason.” He said.
Unprovoked, Joshua just said mama and they both looked at me.
“Did he just say mama?” She asked.
“Yes. I honestly don’t know where he got it from.”
“You’re mom. I heard her a few times, I think she was trying to give me subtle little hints.”
“Cassie right?”
“Yes.” I said.
“How long have you been his sitter?”
“Uh, he was just over a month old, I watched him for the July 1 st show and then became a more permanent sitter the 13th. Start of August I was more fulltime and after the end of August I was basically the live-in nanny.”
She smiled. “I may have you testify if needed.”
“Fine with me.”
Joshua just kept babbling mama at me, like it was his new favorite thing to say. Zac tried to convince him dada was better though. When I heard screaming I turned and apparently Megan had heard him. She was screaming that I wasn’t his mother but we ignored her and left.
“So, same inspection?” He asked.
“Pretty much, same basic rules as the first one and she already has you down for next week on the 13th, she wants them done sooner versus later.”
“I’ll make sure everything is fixed. What about Christmas stuff?” He asked.
“They’re fine but make sure nothing he can reach will produce glass or shards. My advice, put your glass ornaments on the top and anything soft or non-breakable on the bottom.”
“Ok.”
He had started putting Christmas decorations up when we got home, the tree had been put up before we left. We went by the store on the way home to buy ornaments that weren’t breakable, clearly Zac didn’t play when it came to safety. I kept saying Dada to him, trying to coerce him into changing because while Zac didn’t seem to mind I wasn’t sure where we were headed. I knew what I felt for him was different than with Calvin, it felt stronger and much more real. But, I wasn’t ready to say it. Joshua held us together, what if he lost him? Would we still be together without him here all the time?
He got odds and ends while we were there and I picked up a bottle of aspirin.
“Head hurting?”
“Yeah, not bad though and it could be lack of sleep.”
“Are you implying that I need to let you sleep tonight?”
“It might be helpful. No idea how you do it.”
He kissed my temple. “Use to it for tours and stuff, sleep is for the birds.”
When we got home I laid Joshua down with me to nap, while he put up stuff. By the time we both woke up he had food made, tree redecorated with all safe items, and the glass bulbs now lined the walls on garland. He really did go all out and I blinked because he had items already wrapped up under the tree with my name on the tag and Joshua’s.
“When have you had time to shop?”
He only smiled and I was stuck with what to get him, video games? Books? New systems? But none of that felt personal enough for me.
“When are you taking his Christmas set?”
“I’m doing his the 10th, six months plus Christmas. You will be required there as well, so clear the schedule. Saphira said if we wanted group shots she’d take them for us.”
“I think we should call her up, may as well do them the same day. Didn’t Clayton ask you to do Christmas ones for them?”
“Yep. Theirs is the 8th, they are both off and Joshua goes with me. They’re doing them at the house and I have borrowed some large cloths from the studio, a black one and a red one.”
The afternoon was spent with me making plans for that photo session with them along with ours, including what he wanted Joshua to wear for them and just enjoying the time together. It would be a crazy week and next week would be too, because of them closing the studio. So we took the downtime. I laid down rather early because the headache had come back and he agreed, maybe sleep was what I needed more.
Chapter 39: Court Drama
POV: Zac / Cassandra
**I am not a lawyer/judge; so some of this and others may not be 'correct' in procedures**
December 4, 2006
Our trip home from Florida had been uneventful and waiting in my box were her divorce papers. Cassandra was officially divorced from Calvin. She had elected not to change her name back to Morgan because it would be a hassle to do right here during the holidays.
Yet, I dreaded today so much because we had to be at the courthouse early, unlike her divorce hearing though I had a nine am court time and while I really wanted to leave her and Joshua at the house, Mrs. Fernbank said it was important I bring him at least, in case things went her way and it showed that I wasn’t intentionally holding him from her.
I was awake and had both myself and Joshua ready before I got her up, she had showered the night before so she just got dressed and we headed to the courthouse. She brought his stroller so she didn’t have to just hold him the whole time. We were on time and I requested that while I wanted her right behind me, that she sit in the very back with him and that no one could take him but me and her.
We were promptly called at nine and took our places, a quick glance said Cassie was sitting in the very last row, in the corner with his stroller blocking them in. Megan’s lawyer was a middle aged black man with a goatee and bald head. He wore an impressive suit and looked expensive. The judge came in and everyone was sworn in.
“I understand we are here to examine the issue of reestablishing parental rights? Whose rights are we reinstating the father’s?”
“No, Your honor. We are here to reestablish the mother’s.” Her lawyer said.
The judge seemed quite shocked that it wasn’t my rights we were trying to get back but hers. She then reviewed whatever papers she had in front of her and looked at us both and then reviewed more papers.
“Mrs. Rosen, is there a reason why you signed over your rights?”
“My client was locked away in a rehab facility for over five months, she was constantly told she needed to give up her baby for adoption and think about him. She had chosen adoption and had the papers prepared when Mr. Hanson filed for full custody. She felt like she had no other options left and knew she could not fight him in court.”
“Your claim says that she was coerced into giving up her rights, is your client aware that she would have had to do the same for adoption?”
“Yes, your honor, she was prepared to do that.”
“Your honor it sounds like she just didn’t want my client having custody.” Mrs. Fernbank said.
The judge eyed her for a moment and her attention went back to Megan.
“Why are you asking for reinstatement of rights now?”
I expected the lawyer to speak for her but it was Megan’s voice I heard.
“I regret signing the papers and, while I understand that under adoption I would not have any options to reinstate, the father of my child has custody. I wish that I had not signed and that I had fought him months ago instead of just giving up.”
I held my tongue because I tried to give her that chance. The judge nodded and then turned to me.
“The papers indicate that your client, Mr. Hanson, is responsible for having Mrs. Rosen put into rehab, was there a reason why?”
“Yes, your honor. My client was informed in January that Ms. Rosen was partaking in illegal drug use. Specifically, cocaine. He came to me and before we filed we established through multiple individuals that she was in fact taking drugs knowing she was pregnant. The individual even stated that she asked and she said she didn’t care because she wouldn’t be dealing with the child, her exact statement according to the friend is included with the papers as there were some choice words. My client filed so that his baby wouldn’t be born addicted to cocaine or with physical or mental development problems associated with the usage.”
Her brow raised and she looked down at the papers, which included Reed’s statements on what her words were, even other witnesses were there.
“Your honor I object to these statements as any grounds. The baby’s father had told her to leave and that he never wanted to see her again, she was upset and worried about what to do. By this point abortion was not an option so she had no choice. Her statements are a product of anger and fear, not her true feelings.”
“And in those very same papers are the notes from the rehab facility where they had to force her to routine doctor’s appointments.” Mrs. Fernbank said.
The judge took another several minutes to review paperwork.
“Mr. Hanson this says that you sought full custody initially, but you were open to her involvement in the child’s life? What changed?”
“Nothing changed your honor, I was willing to do visitation until she proved she was free of drugs but when he was born she had already signed the papers giving up rights, at that point I asked that they be amended.”
“I’d like to add that her initial lawyer in this process informed me that she wanted to give up custody much sooner, but he refused to let her sign until her options were fully considered.” Mrs. Fernbank said.
“Ms. Rosen is that true?”
“Again your honor, my client was being held in a rehab facility against her will, via an injunction filed by a man that abandoned her when she told him she was pregnant, she was unsure of how she felt about her own life, let alone the pregnancy. You should understand that pregnancy is a scary thing.”
The judge had a true poker face, she didn’t seem affected by anything either of us said! She consulted the papers in front of her and then looked at her.
“Why do you want your parental rights to be reestablished?”
“I would like to see my son, I tried addressing his father before and he refused to allow me to even see him. I realized that my choice hurt myself and my family whom have no rights to see him either. I would like for him to have his mother.”
She nodded. “I’m going to call a quick recess and review the papers. We will reconvene in one hour.”
What could she possibly need to review?! Mrs. Fernbank and I walked back to Cassie who had Joshua sitting up supported by blankets playing with one of his toys. Megan and her lawyer did not stay in the room, nor did I presume her family.
“She can’t be seriously believing that bullshit can she?” Cassie asked.
“It’s unclear at the moment. But, we will file whatever we have to.” She replied.
I swear it felt like the longest hour of my life, but Cassie’s hand had mine and she’d held it tightly.
“It’s going to be okay Zac, I believe the judge will make the right choice.”
I laid my head over and since her divorce was final this was allowed now and I really needed this comforting feeling. When court was called back we returned to the front.
-Cassandra-
I felt as bad as Zac did because while I wasn’t there to witness her words in person, Zac had and her calling him names was just so uncalled for. Yet, she was standing there acting like she cared about Joshua? It was bullshit and the judge should know it.
Joshua was just babbling away at his toy but I could smell it, that sign of a poopy diaper, the smell. I got the diaper bag and picked him up, making sure he was covered even now and headed to the bathroom. Zac would know I wasn’t far if he saw the stroller still there. He was content laying on the changing table and I got the pants off, onesie undone and the dirty diaper off and even got him clean. All the while be babbled and cooed at me. I got the clean diaper under him, powered and was fixing the clothes, getting the onesie snapped.
“Mama.”
For a moment I thought there was another kid in here but when I turned there was no one else in the bathroom. Yet, I could still hear it, mama, and I finally realized it was Joshua saying it. It didn’t quite sound clear, but it was clear enough to me.
He’d just called me Mama and the emotional side of that sent me reeling for several minutes. Before I was able to finish redressing him and getting things gathered. I then picked him up.
“I’m not sure if your dada wants me to be your mama.”
“Mama..”
I didn’t know where he’d learned it because I always said dada to him but never mama and I hadn’t heard Zac saying it either, but knowing my parents it was them. I returned to the courtroom and resumed my seat, I sat Joshua facing me in my lap and kept him company. But, I could hear what was being said. Each side was arguing over something.
“This is my courtroom and I have already stated what will happen! Inspections for the homes and I want to hear from these individuals before I make my final decision. I am fully aware that the holiday’s are around the corner but your client should have considered this, reinstatement of rights because she suddenly wants to be a part of the child’s life is not grounds to compromise the child’s wellbeing. Until I have determined the nature and safety of the child, then the current situation will apply. The child will remain in the full custody of the father. The next court date is January 8, 2007 at nine am. I want witnesses here in this room at that time. Court is dismissed.”
I remained sitting here with Joshua covered until Megan had cleared the end of the aisle and then I met them. Zac looked beyond stressed.
“What did I miss? I took him to be changed.”
“She is actually considering giving her rights back.” Zac said.
“No. She can’t.”
“We have to bring in witnesses to her behavior and basically prove she’s not fit to be a parent. I don’t see how doing drugs during the pregnancy isn’t a good enough reason.” He said.
Unprovoked, Joshua just said mama and they both looked at me.
“Did he just say mama?” She asked.
“Yes. I honestly don’t know where he got it from.”
“You’re mom. I heard her a few times, I think she was trying to give me subtle little hints.”
“Cassie right?”
“Yes.” I said.
“How long have you been his sitter?”
“Uh, he was just over a month old, I watched him for the July 1 st show and then became a more permanent sitter the 13th. Start of August I was more fulltime and after the end of August I was basically the live-in nanny.”
She smiled. “I may have you testify if needed.”
“Fine with me.”
Joshua just kept babbling mama at me, like it was his new favorite thing to say. Zac tried to convince him dada was better though. When I heard screaming I turned and apparently Megan had heard him. She was screaming that I wasn’t his mother but we ignored her and left.
“So, same inspection?” He asked.
“Pretty much, same basic rules as the first one and she already has you down for next week on the 13th, she wants them done sooner versus later.”
“I’ll make sure everything is fixed. What about Christmas stuff?” He asked.
“They’re fine but make sure nothing he can reach will produce glass or shards. My advice, put your glass ornaments on the top and anything soft or non-breakable on the bottom.”
“Ok.”
He had started putting Christmas decorations up when we got home, the tree had been put up before we left. We went by the store on the way home to buy ornaments that weren’t breakable, clearly Zac didn’t play when it came to safety. I kept saying Dada to him, trying to coerce him into changing because while Zac didn’t seem to mind I wasn’t sure where we were headed. I knew what I felt for him was different than with Calvin, it felt stronger and much more real. But, I wasn’t ready to say it. Joshua held us together, what if he lost him? Would we still be together without him here all the time?
He got odds and ends while we were there and I picked up a bottle of aspirin.
“Head hurting?”
“Yeah, not bad though and it could be lack of sleep.”
“Are you implying that I need to let you sleep tonight?”
“It might be helpful. No idea how you do it.”
He kissed my temple. “Use to it for tours and stuff, sleep is for the birds.”
When we got home I laid Joshua down with me to nap, while he put up stuff. By the time we both woke up he had food made, tree redecorated with all safe items, and the glass bulbs now lined the walls on garland. He really did go all out and I blinked because he had items already wrapped up under the tree with my name on the tag and Joshua’s.
“When have you had time to shop?”
He only smiled and I was stuck with what to get him, video games? Books? New systems? But none of that felt personal enough for me.
“When are you taking his Christmas set?”
“I’m doing his the 10th, six months plus Christmas. You will be required there as well, so clear the schedule. Saphira said if we wanted group shots she’d take them for us.”
“I think we should call her up, may as well do them the same day. Didn’t Clayton ask you to do Christmas ones for them?”
“Yep. Theirs is the 8th, they are both off and Joshua goes with me. They’re doing them at the house and I have borrowed some large cloths from the studio, a black one and a red one.”
The afternoon was spent with me making plans for that photo session with them along with ours, including what he wanted Joshua to wear for them and just enjoying the time together. It would be a crazy week and next week would be too, because of them closing the studio. So we took the downtime. I laid down rather early because the headache had come back and he agreed, maybe sleep was what I needed more.