Before the hearing, Judge Ruest requested that we each submit witness lists and exhibits. Having these meant that there would be fewer surprises and allowed my attorney to prepare better Rita’s arguments. My witnesses included my father, the psychologist who did the psychiatric evaluation, and my psychiatrist. My exhibits included a proposed parenting plan, the psychological assessment, and the photographs of my forehead and wrist showing no injury or scars. The complete filing, minus documents already presented, is shown in the image gallery.
The proposed parenting plan was pretty standard, I think. It said that Rita and I should make all decisions jointly, that holidays would alternate from year to year, and I would have the kids at the following times:
Sunday: Alternating until 7:00 p.m.
Monday: 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.
Friday: 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.; Overnight on alternating weekends
Saturday: All day and overnight on alternating weekends
Overnights would start after I was able to find a more spacious place to live. Before Rita got the PFA order, the agreement–but not a court order–was the same as this but with my weekends at the McBath Street house. With the PFA, this agreement was no longer possible, so I proposed having my weekend custodial time at my father’s house–about 90 miles away–until I could find a more spacious place.
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