Husband With Benefits-Chapter 568: A Hearing- A Battle Lost

"Good morning. We are here today to consider Mr. Gregory Savoy’s petition to reinstate his parental rights to his daughter, Miss Arabelle Savoy, following the unfortunate passing of Mrs. Katherine Savoy. Let’s begin with introductions." The presiding judge stared over his spectacles at the two parties sitting on either side, ready to battle it out.

"Good morning, Your Honor. I’m Attorney Samuel Benson, representing Mr. Gregory Savoy, the petitioner."

"Good day, your honor, I am Attorner Baker, representing the late Mrs Savoy and ad litem of Miss Arabelle Savoy."

The judge nodded before turning back to the petetioner himself," Mr Savoy. Before we proceed, I want to address the serious nature of this petition. I understand you previously relinquished your parental rights. Can you explain why you are now seeking to reclaim them?"

Gregory stood, his movements deliberate and measured. He took a deep breath, his eyes momentarily closing as if to steady himself before he opened them and stated in an emotional voice," Your honor, the circumstance between then and now have changed. My ex-wife was an excellent woman and mother. We were in love with each other and our separation was due to some circumstances that we couldn’t avoid. We always planned to get together again. But until the situation was resolved, we decided that it would be best for Arabelle to be in the sole custody of her mother."

Autumn scoffed. Gregory Savoy should have been an author. Her mother and him planned to get together again. What a load of cra*!

However, Gabe had a very serious expression on his face. According to his own investigation, Gregory Savoy was a very cunning man and as slippery as an eel. Even now, he had managed to create a scene where they would be on the back foot. Now, they would need to prove that he was an irresponsible man or even a danger to Arabelle. He’d expected that the man would have a strong backing though.

Meanwhile, the man was continuing, "since then, I’ve worked tirelessly to improve my situation. I’ve secured stable employment, moved into a better home, and attended parenting classes. I want to be the father Arabelle deserves. When Katherine passed away, it made me realize just how much Arabelle needs me now."

The judge nodded and turned to Mr Baker, who quickly took the cue and began," Your Honor, while Mr. Savoy’s intentions might seem commendable, we must consider the stability and emotional well-being of Miss Arabelle. She has just lost her mother and has been living with her older sister, sheltered and adapting to her circumstances. With Mr Savoy’s wanting to be a good parent and reclaiming his rights, she faces another personal major upheavel."

The judge turned to look at the man who was already prepared," Your Honor, I understand the importance of stability for Arabelle. I’ve arranged for a family therapist to work with us, to ensure a smooth transition. I’m also committed to maintaining a strong relationship between Arabelle and my step daughter Autumn, so she won’t feel like she’s losing her family. My goal is to provide her with a stable, loving home where she can thrive. I would welcome Autumn into my family as well, but we’ve had incorrigible differences and I believe she would not be willing."

"Your Honor, while Mr. Savoy’s promises are admirable, we must look at his history. Relinquishing his parental rights indicates a serious lapse in judgment. If he is to be believed and him and the late Mrs Savoy planned to get together, then why sign away the rights? They could have maintained a superficial relationship and Mr Savoy could have asked for a joint custody."

This time it was Attorney Benson who spoke up, "Your Honor, if I may interject, it’s important to consider all aspects of this situation. While my client, Mr. Savoy, acknowledges his past decisions, we must also address the role played by Mrs. Katherine Savoy’s older daughter, Autumn Savoy. Autumn Savoy has a history of strained relations with my client, Mr. Gregory Savoy. Her influence on Mrs. Savoy’s decisions cannot be overlooked. We have evidence that Autumn played a significant role in the separation between Mr. Savoy and Mrs. Savoy."

Furthermore, it’s concerning that Autumn has been withholding Arabelle from her father, denying him the opportunity to build a relationship with his own daughter. If Autumn truly had Arabelle’s best interests at heart, she would facilitate their relationship rather than impeding it."

"Arabelle’s relationship with her father is crucial for her well-being. Denying her that relationship could be detrimental to her emotional development."

A look passed between Baker and Gabe before the man objected," Your Honor, I object to this line of insinuation. Autumn has been Arabelle’s primary caregiver, ensuring her safety and well-being. Any insinuations about her character are unfounded and inappropriate."

"Your honor. This is not insinuation. We have witnesses and evidence. The only reason we have not raised them until now is because Mr Savoy wishes to respect his late wife’s

"Ex wife..." Autumn snapped loudly, unable to control herself.

Attorney Benson cast a look at Autumn before correcting himself," Mr Savoy, wished to respect his late wife’s desire to protect her daughter. However, when it comes to choosing between protecting an adult or a small child, Mr Savoy would choose his little daughter unconditionally."

The judge looked between the two parties and Autumn closed her eyes, praying. Gabe had warned her that they might lose today, but she still prayed. If the judge rejected this petetion, then there would be no custody case. And Arabelle would be safe.

However, her prayers were unanswered as the judge spoke sternly, "Mr. Savoy, while I appreciate the efforts you’ve made to improve your circumstances, I must reiterate the significance of your previous decision to relinquish your parental rights. This court takes the well-being of children very seriously, and any decision regarding parental rights must be made with the utmost care and consideration."

"However," the judge continued, "it is also clear that Miss Arabelle’s relationship with her father is crucial for her emotional development. Therefore, I am inclined to grant Mr. Savoy’s petition to reinstate his parental rights and allow him to pursue custody of Miss Arabelle Savoy. I will grant a continuance to allow both parties time to gather evidence and prepare their arguments. We will reconvene in two weeks to hear the evidence and determine the best course of action for Miss Arabelle Savoy, until then, she will continue to stay with her sister."