Sleepless, it's funny, isn't it, the moms wanting to go to court with their babies. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> I think they just want to take care of us and protect us and this is the only way they can think of to do that.

I don't think so. I can just imagine her sitting in back of me giving WH the stink eye, though. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

Well, you know how women like to go to the bathroom in pairs, right? Must be something like that, LOL.

Mom is thinking he will just not show up, in an attempt to delay things or cause trouble.

I spent three weeks as a juror on a murder trial two years ago. That was pretty unusual. The 'wildlife' around the courthouse was interesting to observe as well. That wasn't scary, but...this is me, LOL. I don't know what to expect in the courtroom. Are there other people there...watching? <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> Will the judge ask me questions or will the lawyer handle it all? I'm sure my lawyer will prepare me when I see her Monday. I just like to stress about things in advance, you know. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

The kids will be staying home with my dad to watch them. Maybe I'll ask my mom to watch them, too, to keep her out of the courtroom. I wonder if WH will bring anyone to court with him? I have to admit, I will be interested to see how he does representing himself. It could be entertaining. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

ummmm not to break up the party but did I get forgotten again *cries*

Oh, Surviving! I'm sorry!

Besides, who could forget you? <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I'm about 2-1/2 hours from San Francisco. I would say exactly where, but if WH or one of his cohorts visit here, I'm trying to stay somewhat incognito. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> Although, my user name kind of gives me away, LOL.

I think you posted your email address a few pages back. I'll look it up.

Hi Pebbles,

From my court experiences (as a child in a support battle, 18 years old but still in school, and when H had to go to small claims) I have noticed that the judges don't look kindly on liars. I also witnessed first hand my dad lying to the judge about when I would be finished school.

**Threadjack warning**
I can tell you that it was a real eye-opener for me... about the kind of person my dad is/was. We didn't speak for five years after that. (I sent him a Christmas card last year, his wife, the OW, sent me one in return, then passed away the following week of a heart attack. My dad did come to my wedding last month but didn't play any of the dad roles, my step-dad walked me down the isle, had the father-daughter dance, etc.)
**Threadjack over**

I almost hope that WH represents himself so that you'll be a step ahead just going in.

Your kids might be curious about what their dad says. I was certainly curious about everything that went on. Don't lie to them about anything, they'll know you're not being honest and it will look badly on you. Hopefully WH won't say or do anything that you'd be ashamed to tell your kids about.

Cat

I go to court with our kids, to give them moral support. During the paternity hearing regarding our son's paternity of his daughter (he IS her bio-dad, BTW!), our whole family and his then GF went. And, I have to say that the judge was impressed with us. After court, he was in the Chancery Clerk's office and made the remark to one of the clerks that we seemed like such a nice family. The clerk, who has known me since I was born, told him that yes, we were very nice people. He was NOT very impressed with xDiL; in fact, just before he called Son's case, he was looking through the file and slammed it down on the bench, saying to his clerk, "This woman is trashy!" <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Anyway, I don't know how it is in most courtrooms, but there is a lot of waiting around in our courtroom until your case is called. If you're already nervous, sitting there by yourself, except for occasional quick conferences with your attorney, can make the time seem to go on forever.

In fact, I'm going to court with DD in a few weeks, due to her ex being delinquent in CS. Should be interesting. Our lawyer has subpoenaed his parents. SiL is, we've heard, living with them since he split from his current wife, but they claim not to know where he is. SiL also is, we've heard, working "under the table" for his dad. They know how much his CS is, and they are required by law to withhold it from his pay, only they don't. ExSiL's dad is also a minister. We shall see what this minister and minister's wife have to say under oath. LOL!

So, Pebs, if your mom just wants to be there for you, let her. It'll make you feel better if WH brings skankyosauer to court with him...and prepare yourself for that possibility.

here pebs don't work so much you already do too much.... :P

Tigeressts@gmail.com ....email me madame and we shall work out the details....hehe just had a thought I called you madame and it fits with the sexy wet towel wearing in front of WH pebbles...muhahaha....*runs and hides before flying objects hit her*

Ooooh, I think I know where you are now! *claps hands and gurgles with laughter* You can just come visit any time now, I think. Don't make me jealous of SIHW, lol.

Good luck in court. No matter what happens with WH tonight, I'm not going to be around much the next 1 1/2 wks or so, getting ready and then going to St. Louis. So take care, and I'll be thinking of you.

Hi, Cat.

Well then, the judge won't be too impressed with WH. I went to the bank today and got copies of bank statements dating back to Feb. After I explained a bit of my saga, the kind teller volunteered to get copies of cancelled checks, highlight relevant transactions, and put her teller stamp on the documents to make them look official. To be fair, I showed that WH did pay the mortgage in Feb. However, the statements show that I have payed the mortgage every month since then, and there are pictures of my cancelled paychecks to prove it. So much for his claim that he has been paying the mortgage. The records also show exactly how much financial support I have (and have not) received from WH.

I wonder how your dad felt about that. The just rewards of his behavior.

I get the feeling that WH is trying to gain sympathy by playing poor and not being able to afford a lawyer. After the judge sees WH's salary, I don't think the judge will buy the act, but who knows?

Part of me is so embarrassed for WH because of his behavior. He really is a totally different person right now. I was always proud to say he was my husband, before. The kids know a lot about what is going on. I did explain why we were short on money, relating it to how confused their dad is right now. It is so important to me that they don't end up hating their dad, for their own mental health. I'm sure they'll have enough mental trauma from everything that has happened so far.

Hi, Lady Clueless.

It sounds like you've seen more than your fair share of courtroom antics. Thank you for sharing your stories.

The lawyer's assistant did mention that I'd have plenty of time to talk to the lawyer after we got to the courthouse, before my case is called. I will still ask her on Monday whether she recommends that I bring my mom or not. If the skankylosaur is there <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" />, it might be nice to have additional support (besides my lawyer).

I have to admit, in a way I don't want my mom to go with me because I don't want her to see WH do or say anything embarrassing. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

Surviving, you've got mail! Well, in a few minutes, actually. I'm typing an email right now.

As long as you don't call me mistress. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Hi, 'Neak.

<img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Thanks, 'Neak. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Have a good time in St. Louis. I've been keeping up with your thread. I hope everything works out for you! Stupid aliens. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

Keep up the good work, Pebs.

I'll be on vacation until July 10 and I won't be able to check up on you, but you're in good hands.

Patience, time, consistency.

WAT

Thank you, WAT. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I'll remember.

Have a great time on your vacation!

ah but grasshopper...it seems I have shown my skills and am faster for you have mail as well. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

The judge barely looked at me. She did all of the talking to the lawyers, and glanced at me to make sure I was paying attention. Try not to roll your eyes, and just be respectful. From what I watched, these judges have to see people at pretty much the low point of their lives. I would imagine it wears on them emotionally.

Let him bring all sorts of support. Looks like he's ganging up on you. I would almost suggest you don't make I contact, but if you do, no evil eye, just be aloof. Maybe Gimble has input. Your lawyer will take care of everything. That's what they're paid for.



I had to testify as an expert witness once. It was kind of fun. I got some laughs out of the jury and the judge when one of the attorneys put his foot right in his mouth, and I had to point it out in my response. You had to be there.
<img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

When's the date?

Hi, Pebbles.

In court, treat the court room and judge with great respect, almost like you are in a church.

Make sure that if hubby shows up with other woman in tow, that you never once let a haughty look escape your face. Humility, honesty and respect are your best friends. Ask your family to behave similarly.

I hope that John's wife does show up. I really hope that she is seen coaching hubby, or that she decides to blurt something out. Your lawyer knows what to do with this. This would be very, very good.

You will do fine, Pebbles.

God bless,
Gimble

Surviving, got your email. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Hi, Gimble.

I will. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> I will speak only if spoken to by the judge. If I make accidental eye contact with WH, I will have a pleasant yet removed look on my face. If he brings along the MOW, I will show no reaction. I remember what a ballet teacher told us about performing, "Have a pleasant, serene expression, no matter how much you hurt." I can do that. If my mom comes along, I will ask her to do the same.

That would be fortuitous, wouldn't it? I am still amazed and perplexed that WH would represent himself in court. He has no legal experience. He really is too smart to think it is a good idea (at least he was before). Maybe he will come up with a lawyer at the last minute?

Thanks, Gimble. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Hi, Sleepless.

Great! Thank you for telling me this. So, if WH really does end up representing himself, it will be WH (with no legal experience) vs. my lawyer (20 years of family law experience). Good odds for me, LOL.

Sounds like...fun? <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Actually, WH had to testify as a witness in a work-related case once. Maybe he does have some experience after all, probably not enough to help him too much in this situation.

I learned by being on the jury that facial expressions and body language of the trial participants affect how the judge perceives them. I will be very careful. One thing people who have worked with WH and I since this started have said to me is that I am very calm and respectful. I will continue to be that way.

Wednesday, June 29! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

P.S. I'll be wearing my respectable teacher clothes to court, no towels or bikinis. In case anyone was wondering. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

darn and i was gonna say I wanted pictures of that....for blackmail purposes of course <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />.....you know I love you right....i just like to poke fun....you know I think sleepless needs to get his [censored] down here and have fun with us...better yet he shoudl take US out to dinner....a big MB dinner..... <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> If we bug him enough.