Court date today:UPDATE

[mymiracleboy]

Today was the day we went to court for my DH father. 

We got there and his dad was standing in the hallway with this smug look on his face.  We walked right past him.  He came with his wife, son and a woman I had never seen before. 

So we were the last case heard, thank goodness.  I didnt think anyone should have to relive the drama we have had to endure.  The judge called us up and we all went to our tables.  He said to Joel 'I have looked at the evidence and have a question.  Is there anyway this could be resolved with counsuling?'  Joel said he would be willing to go but his dad said no way!  His dad asked if he could sit down because he had a heart attack on Monday, but he didnt go to the hospital.  (ya right). 

Anyway, he asked Joel to explain the situation so he did.  Then Joels dad had his say and went on to blame me for all the problems that he and Joel were having and have ever had.  His friend that was with him told the judge that I have problems and need counsuling.  His dad read a statement saying 'I dont want this restraining order because I love my son.'  His dads wife read a statement she prepared and a statement from his son as well.  (his son can barely read, but this statement was amazingly prepared.)  When the judge asked who wrote the statement, his dad said, I did but it was all what Ricky said.  (no it wasnt)  His dad also said that Joel and I came to California because we 'jumped bail in a stolen truck and lived off him for 2 months.'  Not true at all!  We came out here in a truck that we were making payments on.  We didnt know we werent supposed to leave Texas in it.  And we only stayed with him for 3 weeks and within a week of us moving out here, I had a job.  I was buying food for them and giving him money. 

And when it was all said and done, I was so upset, I couldnt talk because I was afriad I was going to say something I shouldnt.  Joels dad and his friend continued to bash me.  He also told the judge that Joel was the cause of his health problems (diabetes type 2, hep. C and syphillis.)  The judge made his ruling based on Joels dads history of mental illness and angry outbursts and history of violence.  He made his judgement for a permanate restraining order for 6 months.  Then Joels dad was out in the hallway saying he wouldnt live that long and that all this was killing him (hence the heart attack he said he had Monday because of stress.)  So the judge came back and said after further review, he was shortening it to 90 days. 

While we were waiting for the documents, Joels dad came back in the court room where the judge, bailiff, court clerk and deputy were and said 'I dont hate any of you.'  and walked out. 

We were hoping that he would put the restraining order in place for 3 years atleast.  I dont know, maybe its for the best.  As long as this man stays away from my family, I dont care! 

*****I went back today and read the court order.  Its not a restraining order at all.  Its a personal conduct order!  I guess the threats in the emails didnt mean anything.  Kind of makes me lose confidence in the courts.****

 

[ratchetlee]

Oct. 2, 2008 at 9:27 AM

Did the judge see all those emails that his dad wrote????  Because if he did - WOW!!  Only 90 days? Well - his dad is just a piece of work.  I am so sorry you are going through all of that!  *HUGS*

[mom2sophia711]

Oct. 2, 2008 at 12:58 PM

Did the judge see the emails? I seriously cannot believe the RO is only for 90 days. I was thinking 6 months was too short. Man oh man, this is a mess. Why doesn't his dad just forget about it all and go on with his own life...it'll be much easier on everyone.

[jenniferschild]

Oct. 2, 2008 at 5:36 PM

Wow only 90 days! That's not right!

[mom2sophia711]

Oct. 10, 2008 at 11:30 PM

I just happened to see you updated this. That is so wrong! It's like the courts just never get it until it's too late! Why wait for him to harm you guys? Why not just put a stop to it before something happens?