Chapter 23 - THE GUARDIANSHIP HEARING
Harriet testified first.
Tavian’s competence.
His signed nomination.
No Rhydian present.
No financial incentive tied to guardian role.
Then Tavian’s audio statement.
The judge listened.
“I am choosing based on Esmond, not me.”
Ulric looked down.
Then the evaluator.
She did not say:
Rhydian is perfect.
She said:
“Rhydian has demonstrated adequate caregiving capacity, a secure attachment with Esmond, and willingness to use professional support.”
Then:
“He has also made fear-driven decisions.”
School change.
Overexplaining Tavian’s concerns.
I admitted both.
Then:
“Have those behaviors continued?”
“No.”
“Has he complied since correction?”
“Yes.”
Then Ulric.
The evaluator described:
Meaningful prior bond.
Substantial caregiving contributions.
Improved insight in treatment.
Still elevated concern regarding anger and entitlement under stress.
Recommendation:
Rhydian as guardian.
Structured future contact for Ulric only after minimum treatment milestones.
Then my testimony.
Ulric’s lawyer asked:
“You were not there for most of Tavian’s final treatment months?”
“No.”
“Ulric was?”
“Yes.”
“You changed Esmond’s school against court instruction?”
“Yes.”
“You discussed Tavian’s concerns with a five-year-old?”
“Yes.”
“Why should the court select you?”
I could have said:
Because Tavian did.
That would have been incomplete.
Instead:
“Because I can provide a safe home, I have changed my work, Esmond is attached to me, and I am willing to be supervised, corrected, and held to the order.”
Then:
“And Tavian chose you?”
“Yes.”
“Is that the main reason?”
“No.”
It mattered.
May you like
It was not enough by itself.
That answer surprised even me.
