I’ll take you to court for custody if I must. That’s my child. Tanner and I are engaged.
She’ll be so happy with her real family at last,” Molly insisted.
“Then we’ll see you in court,” I replied, escorting her out of my home. By that time, Amelia was nearly a teenager and noticed how anxious I was. My lawyers suggested I try to settle outside of court since most judges favor the mother.
But how could a judge side with Molly after her abandonment?
My name was on Amelia’s birth certificate, and I had raised her. I was her only father. Molly’s legal team was fierce, and our fight was tough.
However, Amelia’s testimony changed everything.
“I only have one father,” she stated, pointing at me. “My mother left years ago, saying she regretted having me. I don’t want to live with her.”
Fortunately, the judge listened to my little girl, despite my lawyers’ doubts.
He awarded me full custody, while Molly received limited visitation rights on weekends. I encouraged Amelia to forgive her mother and foster a relationship with her, which they began to build.
But every day, Amelia told me I was the best father anyone could ever have.
What lessons can be learned from this story?
