Update: During March Court Hearing, Case Conference was set for July and Trial for December. OCL has also been ordered to be involved. OCL has begun their initial investigation and we are concerned that their recommendation may stem from a biased opinion that Bio-Moms should not be separated from their children (this was what the investigator in our case stated on the first visit to meet with us - all 4 of us - in the company of the children who also made clear they were content with their living arrangements). The access regime did change in March, but only to what it should have been all along (both sides misinterpreted the order made in January) - Bio-Mom now sees the children for 8 hours, alternating Saturdays and Sundays, with a few minutes phone call on Wednesday and with an inclusion that allows us to cancel one weekend visit per month, but in return, we must offer an access visitation on the following Wednesday, after school, until 7:30pm.
What are our rights? In particular, what are my rights as the Step-Mom?
Do I have any rights? Can I refuse to speak with OCL without a lawyer present? Can 'we' refuse to allow the children to speak with the OCL investigator without one or both of us present and/or our lawyer present?
I was firmly and directly told I had no rights. That I had to sign and allow the OCL access to my police records (which I have no fear will implicate me, but do likely contain details of some horrific things I've dealt with in the past and I'd not like to face again) and FURTHER, that these records would no longer be considered confidential, as once they were received by OCL, they were no longer something I could deem private or confidential in any way, as anyone who knew where to ask and for what, would be given access to this information. We have already sent a letter to OCL outlining these concerns, but have not received any response and further have been threatened with 'Section 112' for not returning calls or emails from the OCL investigator.
I've been told I no longer have any rights and I must just give whatever is asked of me and further warned that refusing to cooperate would be detrimental, as all recommendations/reports made by the OCL carry a lot of weight, can and by the tone of this investigator 'will' impact our custody arrangement.
This investigator declared her intention to make recommendation that the Bio-Mom be granted more time, including overnights with her children, as she stated, "this situation was practically unheard of", although ALSO stating she had not 'yet' reviewed our case files or the medical that we had to support our claims for the custody to remain the same, or be further limited to supervised.
Any advice would be appreciated.
As I'm sure you are all aware, we have not been on here often, but we're once again feeling some pressure and looking for support and guidance anywhere we can.
Thank you in advance for reading this and for any recommendation or comments you may have!
What are our rights? In particular, what are my rights as the Step-Mom?
Do I have any rights? Can I refuse to speak with OCL without a lawyer present? Can 'we' refuse to allow the children to speak with the OCL investigator without one or both of us present and/or our lawyer present?
I was firmly and directly told I had no rights. That I had to sign and allow the OCL access to my police records (which I have no fear will implicate me, but do likely contain details of some horrific things I've dealt with in the past and I'd not like to face again) and FURTHER, that these records would no longer be considered confidential, as once they were received by OCL, they were no longer something I could deem private or confidential in any way, as anyone who knew where to ask and for what, would be given access to this information. We have already sent a letter to OCL outlining these concerns, but have not received any response and further have been threatened with 'Section 112' for not returning calls or emails from the OCL investigator.
I've been told I no longer have any rights and I must just give whatever is asked of me and further warned that refusing to cooperate would be detrimental, as all recommendations/reports made by the OCL carry a lot of weight, can and by the tone of this investigator 'will' impact our custody arrangement.
This investigator declared her intention to make recommendation that the Bio-Mom be granted more time, including overnights with her children, as she stated, "this situation was practically unheard of", although ALSO stating she had not 'yet' reviewed our case files or the medical that we had to support our claims for the custody to remain the same, or be further limited to supervised.
Any advice would be appreciated.
As I'm sure you are all aware, we have not been on here often, but we're once again feeling some pressure and looking for support and guidance anywhere we can.
Thank you in advance for reading this and for any recommendation or comments you may have!
Comment