Last week we had the first hearing on the motion to terminate parental rights. The hearing is intended to a) make sure bio parents were/are appropriately served, b) explain more fully the situation and charges against them and c) allow them the opportunity to enter their plea (ie. contest the motion or submit and “voluntarily” relinquish rights). At this hearing the judge will also often, depending on the circumstances, put all the parties in a room for a while and see if they can work things out on their own. This is when an open adoption agreement would be discussed. This is why A attended the hearing.
Well, none of that happened because mom didn’t show. And rather than taking the typical course and schedule another hearing date, the Judge decided that she would simply go ahead and hear the arguments of each side and issue a ruling. So each side presented their case and now its in the Judge’s hands. Technically she has 120 days to enter her decision, but she stated in court that she hoped to get everything “wrapped up quickly”. She was thinking as soon as that afternoon, but that has come and gone with no word…
so now we wait…
and wait….
and wait…
can’t say that’s an unfamiliar spot to be in. But just remind me to breathe every once in a while okay?
Our Growing Family 