Update and request for help!

Thank you to everyone who sent love, prayers, and support for my debut appearance in family court on Wednesday. It’s always been one of my worst fears, and facing it was really scary. Once I actually got there though, it wasn’t nearly as intimidating as it has been in my imagination. The process is far from over, but I’m feeling much better about it now. Thankfully we got a very reasonable, heart-centered judge. She denied the emergency request to take the kids away pending the hearing and she already dismissed some of the biggest accusations he’s making against me.

The kids’ Dad submitted a 3.5-inch stack of “evidence” to illustrate what an irresponsible mother I am. We didn’t get into it too much yet, but most of is pretty ridiculous. The judge is concerned about Aidan’s well being and said she wasn’t interested in the blame game until she understood why he’s in so much pain. She ordered a partial custody investigation which begins next week. Court social workers (not CPS) will be interviewing me, their Dad, our partners, the kids, and the kid’s teachers, doctors, and therapists. They’ll also conduct home visits. Then they’ll make a report to the judge and we’ll proceed from there. The next hearing is set for April.

I feel really good about how things are going so far and I’m much less scared of losing custody. However, the irrational, aggressive approach that their Dad is taking is pretty confounding and kinda scary, and I am seeing its effects on the kids too. At this point I’m actually feeling grateful that we’re in court. I honestly don’t know how to work with this man on anything when all he cares about is being right and being in control. I’m hopeful that the court will be able to help with that.

It’s an expensive process though and fees are already piling up. I need legal support. Thank you to everyone who has donated to my fundraiser already!!