Update: Court was a SUCCESS!!

[boriley]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? MO

So I know I have been on here for a couple weeks talking about my custody case.

Well I went into court on Wednesday morning. Scared to death bc I did not have an attorney. But after all the help I received from this forum and from my own research online I was prepared. My ex had his attorney there and it was just myself.

I tried to get a continuance; but the judge proceeded with the hearing for the emergency temporary order. So I pulled out everything I had...I had it all prepared in my binder...thank gosh!! And we proceeded. I asked my questions to his witness and I asked my questions to my ex. And I have to say I did a great job!!

I turned in all my evidence and paperwork...which his lawyer actually didn't even have everything I had which made me feel awesome.

So the judge denied him emergency custody!! I have to go back on Jan.28th and we are going to go through with the actual custody case but the judge did say we needed to get a "GUARDIAN AD LITEM" and that we both have to pay for it.

But I do have a lawyer now to come with me to the actual custody case but I am so proud of myself for just standing up against him and his lawyer and doing what I had to do to keep my kids!! It was a feeling that I have never felt before!!!

So thank you to everyone and all your help!!

 

[gr8rn]

Congratulations, Beth! Did you use the note cards?

It is better to have an attorney, but being well prepared makes the whole pro se process easier.

What did the Judge say about the father not letting you talk to your oldest son?

 

[Ohiogal]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? MO

So I know I have been on here for a couple weeks talking about my custody case.

Well I went into court on Wednesday morning. Scared to death bc I did not have an attorney. But after all the help I received from this forum and from my own research online I was prepared. My ex had his attorney there and it was just myself.

I tried to get a continuance; but the judge proceeded with the hearing for the emergency temporary order. So I pulled out everything I had...I had it all prepared in my binder...thank gosh!! And we proceeded. I asked my questions to his witness and I asked my questions to my ex. And I have to say I did a great job!!

I turned in all my evidence and paperwork...which his lawyer actually didn't even have everything I had which made me feel awesome.

So the judge denied him emergency custody!! I have to go back on Jan.28th and we are going to go through with the actual custody case but the judge did say we needed to get a "GUARDIAN AD LITEM" and that we both have to pay for it.

But I do have a lawyer now to come with me to the actual custody case but I am so proud of myself for just standing up against him and his lawyer and doing what I had to do to keep my kids!! It was a feeling that I have never felt before!!!

So thank you to everyone and all your help!!

Congrats. Cjane is a great resource for you and, if she can continue to be, she can give you a lot of insight into Mo. courts and law. You should be proud of standing up against him.

 

[boriley]

Congratulations, Beth! Did you use the note cards?

It is better to have an attorney, but being well prepared makes the whole pro se process easier.

What did the Judge say about the father not letting you talk to your oldest son?

Oh you are right I would have rather have had an attorney for sure but I am so glad I was prepared like I was!

Yeah the Judge was asking why he was not having contact with his children and all he could say was that he did not want to have contact with me. bad excuse obviously. But when I questioned him I made it very clear that he has had no contact with them at all since Sept. I think that really helped me. I still didnt get to see my oldest son while I was there.

So last night my ex called and left a message telling me when he was going to call. Still being rude and obnoxious but when I called him back he wouldnt even answer. I dont know. I just dont want him to say he is going to call our children and then not.

But thank you again!!