Motions So Far . . .

Ok kids! Sixty-six percent of you guessed that Patty would have six or more motions for this upcoming hearing. So far we have a total of four! They are:

1. Motion to terminate temporary custody
2. Motion to appoint an attorney for Steven
3. Motion to disqualify Judge Hartert
4. Motion for (and this is my personal favorite) all parties, spouses and child, to receive a psychological exam.

Yep! That's right! She thinks Keith and Beth need psychological evaluations. She's offered to undergo an exam herself in order to get that motion carried through. As for Steven, he's had several already, and he's passed with flying colors.

No surprises here--Patty's attorney is on the attack! She wants Tess removed from the case because she's "impartial--therefore, ineffective"; Gloria Winston is also impartial and can no longer be objective. She claims that while Ms. Winston was in Utah to evaluate the Barker residence, Gloria had dinner with the family and it was a social event. She's in for a surprise when Ms. Winston testifies. According to Keith, Gloria would not even accept a drink of water for them. She was merely there to observe and remained "on the job" for the entire visit. They also want to remove Judge Hartert . . . I suppose he's impartial as well. One thing that was totally absent was any concern regarding Steven's "medical issues". This has been the biggest "weapon" Patty has held over Keith for years. For a child so chronically ill, she no longer seems concerned about Steven's health--how odd! So, we'll see what happens. We have no idea where this is headed but it's obviously clear that Patty's attorney is trying to change the playing field. She's going from defense to offense. If they can put EVERYONE on the defensive end, it will serve as a smoke screen for the real issue of the case which is--as we all know--Patty's inability to make wise/safe choices in regards to the care of her son. Say your prayers please. It terrifies me to think that Steven will once again be placed in Patty's care and all the progress this young boy has made to this point, will be undone within a few days. Please pray!

P.S. I have nothing but respect and admiration for the professional people helping with this case. They are "personally" unknown to me but I thank God every day for their dedication, their strength, and their determination to do their jobs and protect this young boy. God bless you all!

And so it begins--again

Things have been relatively quiet since Steven's last visit with his mother during Spring Break in March. Since that visit Steven has not received one package from his doting mother. Patty also decided to terminate her phone calls with Steven as they were costing her too much money. (True situation: She was court ordered to make the phone calls from the Visitation Center where she cannot manipulate Steven or the staff. What's the point in that?) But now that the custody hearing is scheduled for July 6th & 7th, she has requested that the phone calls begin again. She has set up her first phone call for next Monday afternoon (even that was not without a battle with Tess at the center). Here's the real story: The custody hearing is in three weeks. She's hired a new attorney (femi-nazi--hates men) who practices in Miami (Patty's no longer able to hire within the county--must travel 1.5 hours to find an attorney who's never heard of her). I suppose this attorney has informed her that she must at least "appear" to take an interest in Steven. They've filed a motion that the judge appoint an attorney to represent Steven. Apparently they feel that the G.A.L., Gloria Winston (an attorney herself) is not able to adequately determine Steven's best interest. She also filed an emergency motion with the court that Patty be allowed to retrieve Steven by June 11 in order for him to attend a family reunion. Some emergency! Motion denied--the judge ordered Keith to bring Steven to Florida with him for the hearing the first week in July. Are you confused? You should be! You should also be outraged. This is the kind of garbage that ties up our courts and costs you money! Who has an emergency family reunion? No one!

Yes, the battle lines are being drawn and things are definitely heating up. Each day there's a new development, each day some ridiculous claim or request, and the attorneys representing both parties are gearing up for the fight ahead. Naturally, Keith feels he has the best chance at full custody, but you never know what a judge will do. The facts regarding Steven are these: Steven's weight is down from 125 to 104 (that's a lot of weight on a 10 year old). Steven is doing well (three A's, one C) in the 4th grade--no longer in resource. Steven is no longer on any medications and has never once had an attack of any kind. Steven's psychologist says there's no need for her to keep seeing Steven as he's doing amazingly well. Steven enjoys being part of a larger family and loves to do things with his sisters. I could go on but those are the most important facts. Keep posted as I'm sure there will be new updates from now until the custody hearing. Thanks for your interest!

C.B.

An "interesting" sidenote: Steven's Uncle James (a corrections officer and husband to Patty's sister Mandy) was arrested for "gross sexual imposition" with a 5 year old girl. He's pleaded innocent and the pre-trial hearing is set for the exact same day as the custody battle. Who would have guessed?