Troubling Love

Court and The Absense of a Mother

Attorney Shyla began to speak as the Jury had signaled that it was her turn to speak, "Good morning your honor, today I am here on behalf of my clients Mr and Mrs. Jones. They are here too permanently terminate their parental rights when it comes to their daughter, Addison." The jury nodded, "Right. Ms.Germenotta, you have requested that you take full, and legal, custody of Addison. Is this statement correct?" Stefani nodded her head, "Yes your honor." The jury continued, "Mr and Mrs.Jones, what is your reasoning for wanting to terminate your parental rights?" Ben spoke, "Well, you see your honor, my wife and I have admitted too abandoning Addison for months at a time and neglecting our child. Leaving it up to Addison to feed and take care of herself with no support from either of us." Ben finished. The jury cleared his throat, "Mr and Mrs.Jones are you aware of the consequences of terminating your rights as parents?" Both Ben and Addelyn, Addison's parents, nodded their head in agreement, "Yes your honor." The jury continued, "Mr.Jones, I believe that you have talked to a family law attorney to prove that it is in the best interest of the child. You told your attorney, Shyla, that you have admittedly abandoned your child for months at a time and only returned home every few months for less than an hour and when you were present in the house you didn't have share any physical contact with your daughter unless you were upset with her. Then you would proceed to lash out on the child and leave her once again. You also stated that you didn't allow anyone to look after your child and Addison had to 'fend for herself' with no help provided. Correct?" The jury asked. "Yes your honor." Said Ben, allowing the jury to speak again, "Mrs. Jones, you also admitted that because of your job you constantly travel. You told your attorney that you stopped hiring a babysitter for Addison after she turned 8 years old because you saw that she was old enough to 'take care of herself.' Is this statement correct?" Addelyn nodded, repeating the same words that Ben had. "Now, a week ago you filed a petition to your local court, which is where we are now, to request a hearing to determine your parental rights. You have brought in Ms.Germenotta because she has taken care of your child when you wouldn't. Ms.Germenotta, are you willing to take care of Addison even when you have two daughters of your own?" Asked the jury. Stefani opened her mouth to speak, "Yes your honor. I have taken in Addison for practically the last 7 years and have had no trouble looking after 3 children." The jury continued, "Right, but is it or is it not true that you leave your children unattended at home when you go on tour due to your choice of career, or even if you fly elsewhere for business?" Stefani stood there in shock. How did he figure out all of this true, but untrue information? Stefani opened her mouth to speak, "These claims are false. I do not leave my children unattended. My sister,father, and mother live here, in New York, as well and they have always stopped by to check on the children, and provide their basic needs. My daughters are assisted to school and assisted from school to home, Addison included." The jury nodded, "What exactly do you mean by 'Addison included?' He asked, trying to get Stefani to clarify her statement. "Your honor, Addison would come home with my daughters any chance she could. Some days she'd prefer to be alone, and be unsupervised in the comfort of her own home. For the first 3 or 4 years, I had no idea that Addison was home by herself. She'd always come over, telling me it was okay with her parents, until one day I showed up at her house and found out the truth. I had indeed, called her parents on the phone but they always told me that they were home, just very busy. I, as well as my other family members, looked after Addison as much as possible. I had tried talking to Mr.Jones about court before, but he never accepted. He always denied wanting to give up rights, and threatened to win Addison over if I did. So I stayed silent." The jury looked down at papers he held in his hand, he scanned them quickly before continuing.

After a long session of a hearing by the court the judge has made a decision, "Mr and Mrs.Jones, by this court session. We as a court have determined that we will permanently terminate your rights as parents to your daughter Addison." He paused before continuing, "Ms.Germenotta, we will hold another hearing for you to legally adopt Addison and you will, hopefully, be granted custody of Addison." Stefani nodded. "Addison, CPS will take you to a foster care and they will look after you for the next couple days." Stefani's eyes widened, she knew Addison wouldn't like the idea of being taken away. Her trust issues would get the best of her and her anxiety wouldn't be in her favor. A young woman came up to Addison before directing her out the door, Addison looked back at Stefani. Her eyes pleaded for help. It only shot a pang of hurt in Stefani's chest, "Its okay." Stefani mouthed to Addison. Addison gave her a sad smile before walking off.