Surprise! Court sucked.

Yesterday was the day we were summoned to court to finalize the legal aspects of Steven's new dorm. We were told that the meeting was a formality that should take about 15 minutes, involve us signing some papers, and maybe having to answer a few questions.

Imagine our surprise when we arrived to find a lawyer from the District Attorney's office, Steven's lawyer (we didn't even know he HAD a lawyer), the psychologist, and our case manager. Turns out it was a full hearing. There was a judge, a bailiff, a court reporter and all of the above "experts". It was even held in a real courtroom where "they" sat at one table and "we" sat at the other table.

The judge began by asking all the questions regarding who represented which party.....then he asked us if our attorney was present? Ummmm, we didn't know we needed an attorney. Turns out we had the option of having an attorney. He said, "Well, I guess you know now. Do you wish to proceed?"

The DA started out calling the psychologist who gave testimony regarding Steven's abilities....wait, she focused on his INabilities. That was fun.

Then, the case manager was called to the stand. He had to answer questions about his perception of Steven. That's always fun to hear a stranger's first impressions of our little man...not.

Steven's attorney got to cross examine each of the experts. All he did was expound on Steven's challenges. Troy and I were in tears sitting there on the bench listening to them talk about Steven.

Then, he called "one of Steven's parents, Troy Gilchrist, to the stand." Troy was not prepared emotionally for this at all. They asked him questions regarding what interventions we had attempted, whether he thought this option was the best one for Steven and they showed no mercy.

When it was all over, it had lasted 45 minutes. The end result is the same. Steven gets to stay at his dorm. We are still his parents and have all parental rights.

I talked to my sister last night. Turns out I had forgotten to tell her about the summons so she couldn't prepare us for what had transpired. She usually plays the role of Judge in the courtroom. She said what happened was pretty standard. Next time, as soon as a summons arrives, I will contact Ang. And there will be a next time. Our attorney, Angela, advised us that we should be summoned at least once a year to re do this hearing annually.

And, today is a new day.

B