Not a question needing a second opinion JA: What state is this in? It matters because laws vary by location. Customer: *****, New zealand JA: What steps have been taken so far? Customer: It was round the table meeting for peranting order. The concerns I had was silenced. JA: Is there anything else the Lawyer should know before I connect you? Rest assured that they'll be able to help you. Customer: I am pretty sure the way it was handled was unfair not right when it came to the children and I had no say
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Jessica
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Chris The Lawyer, Expert
Hi My name is ***** ***** I am a New Zealand lawyer with more than 42 years of experience. I am here to help with your questions.
Chris The Lawyer, Expert
A round table meeting is a bit like a mediation, and you would normally be allowed to say what you think is in the best interests of the children. If there was an agreement reached at the round table, which you now regret, then you would have an opportunity to make submissions at the next court hearing.
honestly feels like I am fighting the system on my own to try protect my children from harm. It feel like I am hitting a dead end every time. I don't know anymore who to turn to so they can help. I have three daughters in my care. ********** (2 years old), ********** (9months), ************ (9months). This is the second time my now ex have a protection order against him. This show that he will not change. The incident happened in January. He hit me on the head with his fist while having our 6 month old twin (then) in his arms. He has verbally abused *********** a lot. The court has ordered *********to have 10 sessions through Supervised Visits. My lawyer said no matter what the out come was they will fight for the supervised visits to carry on. She also said that "the balls are in my court". Yesterday I had the round the table meeting I had brought all my paper work along side me with all the concerns. First visit through Supervision I gave a note to say the kids are due for lunch with lunch in the bag. He did not feed them. The supervisor and my lawyer said its not neglect. Second visit he breach the protection order but the supervisor left the scene when he gave me the kids. His supervisor never contacted me to get my side of the story and told the police it wasn't a breach. When i raised this yesterday at the meeting they said the report had no concerns via supervision. Everything that he has done to my 2 year old wasn't a concern yesterday my voice my concerns was silenced it was three lawyers against me because the report said 'No Concerns". Because the report said 'No Concerns" automatically it wipes out the family history of abuse. This is NOT OK. Everything I was told I sure wasn't prepared for what i walked into yesterday. It was literally their way or the highway. From 2 hour visits each week it went to 2days from 9am to 3 pm with his step mother that used to abuse him (which they did not care about) and his father only being supported visits. The lawyer for child do know the step mother as well. my concerns over them they did not care about. I told the lawyer for child 2 weeks before the incident. ********* put ********* on the bench took his vape and told her to take a puff of it. Her responds were i will tell them they are not allowed to vape around the kids. She didn't even care. How will i know these kids are not being abused in any way. my daughter is not at that age where she can tell me. I do not want these kids to be mentally screwed because i got pushed into a corner. I am a very concerned mother. I do not come from a home were there was abuse. I am trying to stop it from happening because this is moving way to fast for him to get the kids. I am honestly having so much concerns because how is family violence ever going to stop if they keep letting this happen. I am honestly seeking help to protect these children from abuse.
Chris The Lawyer, Expert
It is difficult for me to make suggestions about your next steps. You need to have some trust in your lawyer, but if you feel that the lawyer is not doing what you want, you can change lawyers. You can also appear for yourself if you think that there are issues which your lawyer is not bringing to the attention of the judge. You need to consider whether your voice is being properly heard and explain your concerns to your present lawyer.
Chris The Lawyer, Expert
yes, if you have not reached an agreement at the round table meeting, and there is a further meeting to progress discussions, you do not have to agree to anything if you do not want to. But of course when the case goes before the judge the judge will make a decision. At the round table meeting you have an opportunity to try to reach an agreement, because there is always a risk that the judge may not agree with you and make orders contrary to your wishes
Chris The Lawyer, Expert
You need to have a frank discussion with your lawyer about these issues. It's difficult for me to comment on complex issues when I only have the barest sample of what has happened. But your voice must be heard and you may need to be firm with your lawyer to make sure you have an opportunity to express your concerns
Chris The Lawyer, Expert
I hope this does get better for you and the children