My Son and His Wife Took Their Son on a $20K Cruise, Leaving Their Daughter Home — By Noon, I Was Standing at Their Table

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Chapter 46

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Judge Elena Vance swept into the room. She was a woman in her 60s with eyes that had seen every variation of human cruelty imaginable. She did not look at the lawyers. She looked straight at the defendants. ‘Be seated,’ she commanded. We are here to determine the permanent custody arrangement for Leo Slater and Mia Slater.

We are also here to address the petition for the termination of parental rights filed by Mr. William Slater. Austin’s public defender stood up. He was a young man with a cheap suit and a nervous twitch. He looked like he knew he was bringing a knife to a nuclear war. Your honor, he began his voice wavering slightly.

My clients acknowledge that mistakes were made. However, they argue that termination of rights is too severe. They are willing to undergo counseling. They are willing to take parenting classes. They love their children and they believe that with time and rehabilitation, Judge Vance held up a hand. The lawyer stopped mid-sentence.

Counselor, the judge said, I have read the police report from the port of Miami. I have seen the video footage of a chained refrigerator. I have read the psychological evaluation of the children. Do not waste my time with the word mistakes. This was not a mistake. This was a siege. She turned her gaze to Rachel.

Ms. Stein. The judge said, ‘You mentioned in your filing that there is additional financial evidence relevant to the children’s welfare.’ Rachel stood up. She did not need notes. She knew the case by heart. Yes, your honor. While the criminal charges regarding the bank fraud and the house are being handled in federal court, we have uncovered a specific financial crime that speaks directly to the defendants’s fitness as parents.

Rachel walked to the evidence table. She picked up a document sealed in a plastic sleeve. 13 years ago, when Mr. William Slater’s wife passed away. She left a small inheritance. Mr. Slater did not spend it. He placed it into a protected trust fund specifically designated for the future education of his grandchildren.

When Mia was adopted, he added her name to the trust, ensuring she would have the same opportunities as Leo. I watched Austin’s back stiffen. He didn’t know I knew about this part. He thought I only knew about the house. Rachel continued, ‘The trust was set up so that withdrawals could only be made for educational or medical emergencies and required the signature of the trustee. That trustee is William Slater.

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