In the hands of the court now...

Afer dropping my son off this morning, I headed off to the Family Law Court with signed paperwork in hand.

I was amazed at how quickly I was able to get in and there was only 2 people in line to see the court clerk.

I filed my paperwor, paid my $167.00 filing fee, and in less than 10 minutes, was assigned a case number.

The clerk instructed me on assembling a packet for the Judge to review and sign, I headed up to the Judge's chambers and dropped them in the in-box.

The Judge's staff told me that I should expect to have them signed and sent back to me within 5 business days. If I do not receive them within 2 weeks, they gave me a number to call.

I spent a grand total of about 25 minutes in the courthouse. I left a little amazed at how quickly everything happend and the finality of it all.

Upon receipt of the signed decree, all I need to do is serve them to the x2b by a notarized document and certified mail. That's it. It's over.

So, a little emotionally lost, I returned to work. As soon as I opened my e-mail, I saw a note from the x2b requesting a visit with my son. I told her that I would make arrangements for a week's visit, and she responded by asking for 2.

Here was my response to her:

"How about I cut our weekend short and you pick him up on Sat. the 5th. I will fly to Fresno this time on Sunday the 13th to get him. This will give you all of Sun through all of Sat. I honestly don't think 2 weeks is good for him yet. He's too young to understand and it really screws up his routine. I know you don't believe me, but when he's with me for 2 months, and then gone for just one week, we spend the whole next week or 2 dealing with rules and structure and his emotions. I don't want to keep him away from you. You, of all people should know that's not how I am especially after years of me trying to keep Ray [her son from her 1st marriage] in your life so he could have a relationship with you and his brother. I feel guilty enough for being part of that situation and what has come of it. So, its not about that. Its about Hayes' stability.

Let's do one week at a time for a while and see how it goes. I think that I'm being reasonable, considering."

She responded in agreement and I booked travel for me to go pick him up. When I sent her the itinerary, I also noted that I had been to the court this morning and that paperwork was filed. I told her to expect the decree by mail in 2 weeks or so. She read that e-mail but had no response. I'd like to think the reality of it all was tough for her to swallow, but that's giving her credit deserving of someone with human emotions. Just wishful thinking on my part.

So...that's my day. Not on my list of favorite days in history, but one I'll remember for a long long time.