Yesterday, 13 March was scheduled in the Family Court for interim hearing for custody of the children. Paul’s solicitor had been contacted the previous day asking for an extension of 2 months! Paul said that he couldn’t afford to delay because Centrelink had placed a hold on his paperwork until the result of the pending court case and he had exhausted his savings. The decision was made to proceed. Pauls solicitor had obtained a significant amount of damning reports from mandated sources.
The judge agreed to set another date allowing another 6 weeks for the ICC ( independent children’s lawyer) and Sam’s lawyer to prepare. So it’s now set for 6 May.
Paul’s solicitor asked for and got an official court order/letter for Sam to sign for the transfer of benefits to Paul backdated to 1 February so that he can present it to Centrelink and start receiving some payment.
Other adjustments with visitation times requested by Sam.
Paul solicitor requested that her unsupervised/ unapproved visits to the school cease. She asked to be able to attend upcoming events and P&C meetings.
Her partner is to have no contact with the children due his long and recent police record.
The ICC lawyer has requested that Paul continue with dance lessons for Shakira. And a list of Doctors, dentist, podiatrist, speech therapy, psychologist appointments be kept.
Paul’s solicitor asked that Samantha desist in making appointments when children are in Paul’s care.
We spent from 2pm to 4:30 pm coming to a working agreement for all parties. Even when we went back in front of the judge he agreed to give the 3 solicitors extra time (15 mins) to come up with an agreed upon plan.
That done I’m not confident that it will be enough time. They, the solicitors are all amazed at the voluminous amount of reports/ records that have been amassed.
I can’t believe how I allowed this all to monopolize my time over the last few weeks. The sleepless nights, concerns and worry about the kids. Paul is dealing so well with all of the frustrations and adjustments he has had to make to his life.
He was given a couple of days work last Sunday and Monday, it all helps.
So now we do our best until the next Court date, not knowing what the future may bring.
Joans jottings 
Just read your jotting .The law moves slowly apparently .So much involved for Paul and family .
Time seems to be moving on with no major resolutions .
Hoping the next meeting has positive outcomes for Paul and family.
Take care Joan look after yourself, see you at lunch next Tuesday .
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Swings and roundabouts.
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