[anxious mom]

We are currently in the last phases of the step parent adoption. My daughter is 5 and my husband is the only father she has known since she was 2. Her biological father has been in jail for drugs and armed robbery. His charge for armed robbery was dismissed on Thursday and he was paroled into a half way house until 2007. He has never paid child support and has no relationship with my daughter. She does not even know who he is. He will not sign over his rights. He has been representing himself so far. Our home study was perfect and the amicus attorney agreed that my husband should adopt my daughter and her biological father's parental rights should be terminated. When I found out this week that he was out I called my attorney and he said this would make our job a little more difficult since he will be at the trial but felt I still had grounds for termination. I'm afraid the judge will award him some kind of visitation. I'm afraid for my daughter. We are still waiting on a court date.

Any advice? I'm really worried!

[tgage]

Anxious:

I'd be ready for your ex to show up at the hearing. But keep in mind that he's representing himself and you have an attorney. Judges are not too keen on seeing people bumble their way through their court room and most likely the Judge will see the situation for what it is.

Also, keep in mind that unless your ex gives up his rights or doesn't contest the termination, he'll have to be ready for a trial which includes depositions, interrogatories, preparing witnesses, etc... Your attorney should be able to just do his business as usual and your ex will fall flat on his face.

Good luck and let us know what happens.

Tim

[anxious mom]

We went to court on Thursday and our judge sends his outcome in a letter. He doesn't want emotional outbursts in the courtroom! I'm dying!

My ex came and represented himself. He looked so stupid. My attorney ate him alive on the stand. The amicus attorney and case worker came and was in our favor. It seems so cut and clear! I'm not counting my eggs before they hatch and praying the judge is not buying into his "all about him" story. He never once mentioned my daughter. He made it all about him being in a half way house and how he trying to change. This is after he admitted he was a drug user, abandoned my daughter and never paid any child support. Why is this taking so long for the judge to make his decision?

[Eventually]

Originally posted by anxious mom
We went to court on Thursday and our judge sends his outcome in a letter. He doesn't want emotional outbursts in the courtroom! I'm dying!

I'll be keeping my fingers crossed for you! I know how stressful this can be and I wish you all the luck in the world.

[anxious mom]

Just got final word yesterday afternoon! We got it!! I cannot express my happiness!!

Thanks for letting me share!!

HHHHOOOORRRRAAAYYYY!!!!!

[Eventually]

Congrats! I'm so happy for you!

[anxious mom]

We are so happy right now with the outcome! But I can't help but think about him appealing this. How long does he have to appeal?