We received some news last week, and things have been emotionally up and down since then.
First, we heard that there were two hearings scheduled: one Feb. 6 (the custody hearing in Williams Co), and one scheduled Feb. 28 (the consent hearing in Lucas Co--the one in which J would have to prove emotional or financial support). A's lawyer, Jill, was going to try to have the Feb. 6 hearing dismissed, on the grounds that there is already an adoption in progress, so the custody hearing is unnecessary.
On Feb. 6 we got an email from our lawyer saying that J had voluntarily dismissed his paternity/custody suit! This could be very good news, exactly what we've been praying for.
It could also simply mean that J and his lawyer have realized that the appropriate venue for a paternity/custody suit is the county in which the child resides. So it's possible he withdrew his suit in Williams Co in order to re-file in Cuyahoga Co.
As far as we know, J should not even know that we and Ava Rose reside in the Cleveland area--but we think it's likely that information was inadvertently given to him by A. So now we are just going to have to wait and see if he re-files.
I'm feeling a bit more hopeful with this development, but still trying to remind myself that this isn't necessarily over. It seems to me that the hearing on Feb. 28 could go our way, but it will be completely up to the judge to hear testimony from J and A, and possibly from our agency, and decide if J actually tried to be involved in the pregnancy. If the judge decides that he was not serious about providing support to A and their child, then we will not need his consent to proceed with the adoption.
But, as I mentioned in an earlier post, we think he could re-file his paternity suit at any time--possibly even after the adoption is finalized this summer. So we're not exactly sure when the waiting will be over.
Praying for peace and joy, even with all the uncertainties, and for protection for Ava Rose.
ReplyDeleteI was thinking about Ps 77, the lectionary psalm for yesterday in this context Mindy. The author is feeling distant from God in a major way, and yet asserts his faith despite it all. What captures me aside from the raw and very human emotion expressed is the way the psalm ends: "You led your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron." That is not an ending, really. He is recounting God's faithfulness to lead Israel out of Egypt as a way to remember, or re-member, his faith. But the way he ends it with this matter of fact historical truth says that his emotions haven't caught up with this reality. And that is what faith is, not when God shows up to resolve my current concern, but when despite my feelings and even despite current circumstances, I choose trust based on what God has done, and who he is. So some statement in my own psalm like, "You led me to Pam 31 years ago" reminds me of the way things are; or even better, "you gave the Holy Spirit to form the church." THAT is a spiritual weapon to wield in the face of discouragement or fear. John Newton writes, "Why should I fear the darkest hour, Or tremble at the tempter's power? Jesus vouchsafes to be my tow'r. Though hot the fight, why quit the field? Why must I either fly or yield, Since Jesus is my mighty shield?" Well said, Brother John.
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