We have been asked to go BACK to court for a status hearing. I am assuming that it’s to address Pam’s criminal case and how it affects the dependency case.

Again, I check in with the bailiff (we have become friends at this point) and wait our turn. My heart sinks… I look up and see the girls’ biological father walk up and join a few unknown adults. What in the world is he doing here… A year later?!

To catch you up to speed: Pam was married when she had the girls (but their father is a different man). Whenever you are married to someone, but have a child with someone else, your husband is their legal father by default. Meaning: in the court room, your husband is considered as their biological father.

Dustin, who is their biological father, was asked to not attend visits once there were sex abuse allegations and an investigation to follow. Why he has shown is beyond me. I rapidly text Rachel to warn her.

Our case is called and we all walk in. Apparently Dustin has buddied up with the paternal grandparents (not biologically related to the girls… if you’re following lol) and demands that a DNA/Paternity test be ordered to establish him as the father. My heart drops. If that takes place, this case will be dragged out even longer. Once he is determined to be the father he will have his own case plan to follow and will need ample time to have the opportunity to finish it. As you can imagine, I am all for reunification… but if you knew the reasons for the sex abuse investigation your blood would be boiling too.

The judge hears Dustin out. He pauses (which seems for an eternity) and responds:

To be continued…