Legal Ethical Issue
Storyboard Text
- Yeah of course
- Oof that was a long meeting! Oh hello Stephen I was just going to grab a coffee, would you like one ?
- Oh Joanne I was just looking for you! I have a client in the board room waiting and I would like you to take over handling this case for me.
- So could you give me a quick brief about the client ?
- Yeah of course. So it's a family law matter. Karen Johnston has come today to seek advice on sole custody of her three kids with her husband.
- Sole custody? Thats always interesting.
- Lovely to meet you as well Karen! Lets get down to business then.
- My pleasure Stephen thank you for that. Nice to meet you Joanne.
- Thanks for waiting Karen, this is Joanne Evans, she will be handling your case. at this stage.
- So Karen, Stephen has informed me that you are here today in relation to a custody dispute, is that correct?
- Great, so can you tell me about the situation please ?
- Yes that is correct.
- Certainly, My husband Michael and I, soon to be ex-husband have three kids. I want full custody of my children and their father to have no contact with them. I'm their mother and I know what's best for them and he is an unfit father!
- Well for starters he cheated on me! And he was abusive as well. I filed a police report yesterday in regards to an incident that happens three years ago were he assaulted me by pushing me down the stairs! If he would do this tome what would be do for them?
- I see. and why is he an unfit father ?
- That is a very serious accusation indeed. Why did you not report this incident to the police three years ago? Also what evidence do you have to support this claim?
- I don't know why I didn't at the time! But I have now. Yes I do have evidence. My father is a doctor and can confirm that I was injured from this.
- Ok. Is your husband agreeable to you having full custody?
- Have you been to mediation about this matter?
- No, I refuse to negoiate with him.
- Of course not. He wants 50/50. Which I do not accept.
- Right. You should be aware that a refusal to negioate with your husband on this matter will not been seen favourably my the court
- I'm not concerned by this. I'm sure once the judge sees what a terrible person Michael is I'll have no trouble getting custody
- Is there any other reason why you feel Michael is an unfit parent?
- Well theres also the fact that he will have no money after the divorce is finalised
- How long have you and Michael been seperated?
- He cheated in me 8 months ago. As soon Ifound out I threw him out of the house and he has been living with his brother ever since.
- I see and has Michael seen his kids in the last 8 months?
- No they haven't. I have not allowed it. He calls most days asking to speak to them or see them and I refuse him every time.
- Ok thanks for that information. Do you have any questions for me?
- Yes! Can you tell me if I have a strong case?
- Alright. Based on the information you have provided me with so far I don't think you have a strong case. I must inform you Karen that Custody disputes very rarely result in sole custody for any parent.This is because the court holds a presumption that shared custody is in the best interests of the children. Unless very compelling case.evidence can be given to convince the court that sole custody is best. Because family court is most concerned with the best interests of the children.They may also take into consideration the wishes of the children as well. Have they given you any indication as to what they would like? Also taking custody cases to trial is a very lengthy process that can be very tough on the children. Do you still wish to proceed?
- Yes I still want to proceed. I don't care how long it takes. I am willing to wait years if that's what it takes. I do have compelling evidence against him and I think the judge will see that! He can not do this to me and think he can get away with it. The children's opinions are irrelevant to me. I'm the mother and I know best.
- Thank you. I look for3ward to hearing from you.
- Ok as you wish Karen. I will begin preparing the pertinent documents to get this case going. I will be in touch with an update soon.
Over 30 Million Storyboards Created