Abandoned in NYC

family court hearing 1

Olivia had been right, as soon as his sentence was finalized he filed for visitation of Madelyn. Olivia had worked with Trevor hopeing she could stop this man from damaging her little girl any further then she already was.

As the morning of the first court hearing arrived olivia came alone. She didn't want maddie to be in court anymore then she had to.

The first cross examination of olivia began that day. She took her seat in the witness box and Trevor was the first to question her "captain Benson can you tell the court first how you came in to custody of your adopted daughter Madelyn?"

She took a calming breath and said "I was working in my office when the desk officer in my precinct brought the girl to me after her mother had abandoned her there. Madelyn then handed me an envelope with transfer of guardianship papers and other legal documents I'd need to take custody of Madelyn along with a letter she had written stating that she had found out our mother's were raped by the same man many years ago and that she thought based on her research of me that I'd be a good mother to Madelyn and to keep her hidden from a father who abused her and Molly  for years."

Kurt's lawyer interrupted "objection your honor my client was found not guilty of thealleged abuse the mother claimed happened."

Trevor defended by saying "she is only speaking of what was written in the note presented to her your honor."

"I'll allow it only in that context." The judge said.

"Captain Benson how has Madelyn adjusted to being in your career in your opinion?" Trevor asked.

"Very well. She sees a therapist 2 to 3 times a week. She gets along well with my son Noah. She's also started dance classes along with my son and she has adjusted well to her new school." Olivia replied.

"How long have you been a mother?" Trevor continued.

"I started fostering my son when he was about 6 months old and adopted him when he was a little over a year old so just about 5 years." She said keeping her eyes on Trevor.

"How much time do you spend with the children on average?" He asked softly.

"I spend mornings with them and try to spend most nights with them but when I can't I do video call them to check in and speak to both children. I also spend weekends with them." She continued.

"Thank you Captain Benson." Trevor finished.

Kurt's lawyer Buchanan stood and said "Captain Benson have you ever had a case of child abuse opened against you?"

Olivia sighed "yes last year but it was closed after finding no basis in it it was just a..."

"And before adopting your son you had applied several times before and been turned down is that correct?" He cut her off and continued.

"Yes." She sighed once again.

"And what were the reasons given for those declined adoptions?" He asked.

"I'm a single woman and my job was demanding but I have proven..." she started but was cut off again.

"And both of those are still true aren't they?" He continued.

"Objection your honor he's asking questions but refusing to let her fully answer them." Trevor interjected.

"Please finish Captain Benson." The judge said.

"As I was saying since then I have proven that I am capable of raising my son and still do my job to the best of my ability." She finished.

"And you think you can still do that with another child to nurture?" Buchanan said.

"Yes and I've been doing it just fine for the last few months." She replied.

Buchanan then sat and olivia was let out of her seat and joined Trevor.

The judge then spoke and said "I will review the testimony of Ms. Benson and Mr. Branson and conduct my own interview of the child and give you my ruling next week." He said "court is adjourned." He said and left the courtroom.

Olivia was still nervous after they left but Trevor tried as best he could to put her mind at ease before he left her.

***

Olivia took the rest of the day off and spent it with both kids. Finally both noah and Madelyn fell asleep on the couch curled in to either side of her and she just let them sleep just enjoying this moment with the two children she loved the most in this world.