Chapter 207: The Court Hearing
"We received a report about the Gallagher family and found that the children were living without parental supervision in extremely poor conditions. To ensure their safety and well-being, we relocated them to foster homes," the representative from the Department of Family Services reported.
After the statement, both sides' lawyers made brief arguments.
"Mr. Frank Gallagher is the children's father, who is currently listed as missing according to police records. Ms. Monica Gallagher, their mother, has signed a document relinquishing her parental rights," the judge stated.
"What does that mean?" Carl asked, confused.
"Monica doesn't want to be our mom anymore?" Debbie asked, puzzled.
"This is for your own good," Fiona explained gently. "Only this way can I bring you back home."
The custody dispute had been mainly handled by Fiona, along with Lip and Ian. Carl and Debbie were considered too young to be involved in the legal strategy.
"Your Honor, I object! We never signed any document giving up custody!" Roberta interrupted.
"Right, Monica?" Roberta turned to her.
"I…" Monica, holding Liam in her arms, opened her mouth hesitantly but said nothing for a long moment.
"Monica, say something! You never signed that damn custody paper!" Roberta urged, growing anxious.
Monica glanced at Fiona and the kids, then lowered her head, remaining silent.
"Monica!" Roberta called again, panic in her voice.
"Order!" the judge banged the gavel.
With the judge's warning, Roberta had no choice but to sit down.
"The attorney representing Ms. Gallagher has also questioned the validity of the custody waiver document. As a result, they have filed a motion to terminate Monica's parental rights," the judge continued, lifting another document.
Fiona was momentarily stunned upon hearing this, then looked gratefully at her lawyer, Matt.
"So, Ms. Gallagher," the judge turned to Fiona, "you're seeking to assume legal guardianship?"
"Yes, Your Honor. I can provide a safe and stable environment for my siblings—something our parents never could. I hold a full-time job and legally own two houses," Fiona replied, as her attorney submitted the supporting documents.
"Your brother Ian testified that your mother has been missing for two years. Did her absence affect you emotionally?" the judge asked after hearing arguments from both sides.
The outcome of the case heavily depended on the children's input. No matter how fiercely the lawyers debated, the court ultimately had to consider what was best for the children—especially the younger ones. Liam was only two, so he couldn't be questioned, but Debbie and Carl's opinions were vital.
After speaking individually with the kids, the judge turned to Monica. "Mrs. Gallagher, your children are all very special."
"They're my pride and joy," Monica finally spoke, smiling brightly.
But before she could continue, her lawyer subtly signaled her to stop.
"The children's father, Frank Gallagher, is an utterly unfit parent," Monica's attorney argued. "He was abusive toward my client on multiple occasions. Her disappearance was a desperate attempt to escape his violence. Furthermore, she suffers from severe mental health issues."
The lawyer was skillful, painting Monica as a victim and shifting all blame onto the absent Frank.
"Your Honor, you can't seriously be buying this nonsense," Fiona said, unable to contain herself. "Have you seen her record?"
"Please remain calm," Matt gently reminded her.
"The court has reviewed Mrs. Gallagher's record," the judge said. "Trespassing, excessive drinking, public disturbance, inciting riots, occupying others' property, domestic unrest, and multiple DUIs—even though she doesn't own a car."
"My client has a documented mental illness," Monica's lawyer responded, submitting medical records. "This is verified by the hospital."
"Your Honor," Monica spoke up again. "I've hurt Fiona so many times. That's on me. She's the one who's been holding this family together since I left. I'll never be able to make up for the pain I caused her."
"I'm not a perfect parent. I've chased happiness, lived freely, and tried to experience everything I missed in life. In doing so, I sometimes forgot about my children."
"If this is what Fiona wants, I'm willing to give up custody. But Liam… he's still so young. He needs his mother. I don't want him to grow up with regrets."
"She's right," Roberta chimed in. "Liam's Black. Your Honor, you know the realities Black people face in this society. The rest of them are white. They can't raise a Black child."
Their primary goal was Liam, not the rest of the kids. As long as they could gain custody of Liam, they were willing to give up everything else.
"Order!" the judge struck the gavel again.
"Ms. Gallagher," the judge turned to Fiona, "can you tell me why you believe your mother is unfit to retain custody?"
Fiona looked at her siblings, then spoke. "We used to live in a car."
"Uncle Nick kicked us out. We had nowhere to go. I, Lip, and Ian were sleeping in the back seat when the car stopped—somewhere near Halsted, I think. It was the middle of the night."
"They told me to take the kids and wait by the side of the road. They promised to come back soon. I was six."
"Hours passed. Ian had a fever and was screaming uncontrollably. I didn't know what to do. I carried Lip in one arm and Ian in the other, trying to find help."
"But getting help was harder than smuggling drugs. I finally reached a clinic. The doctor said Ian's fever was 104°F. A few more hours, and it could've been fatal."
"I found my parents days later. The first thing they asked me was, 'How much money do you have left?'"
"I wish I could say that was the only time, but sadly, it was just the first. I know my mother has bipolar disorder. But that doesn't change the fact that she's a drunk and a junkie."
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