Chapter 17 - GARRICK’S PETITION
Garrick’s parentage petition reached a settlement conference.
He proposed:
Bramwell remains sole legal father.
Garrick acknowledges biological paternity.
No custodial rights asserted.
No child-support adjudication sought by either side at this time, subject to law.
Records sealed.
Garrick must provide updated medical history if a significant hereditary condition becomes known.
Disclosure to Sorrel guided by his therapist and parent.
That was almost everything I wanted.
Naomi warned:
“Do not sign language waiving child support if the law treats it as the child’s right.”
Good.
We removed any absolute waiver.
Instead:
No current petition for support.
Future legal rights not prejudiced.
Fine.
Then:
Does Garrick get visitation?
No automatic term.
Any contact only by my consent after therapist consultation and Sorrel’s readiness.
Garrick agreed.
That surprised me again.
Then the judge could approve parentage clarification without declaring him a second legal father if state law allowed? We need phrase carefully:
The court entered an agreed declaratory order recognizing the authenticated genetic result while preserving Bramwell’s established legal parentage and declining to create a custodial role for Garrick absent a separate legally valid action.
Good.
No birth certificate change immediately.
No name change.
No custody.
Then Garrick asked me in hallway:
“Do you think he’ll ever want to talk to me?”
“Probably.”
“Do you want me to?”
“I want you not to lie.”
He nodded.
Then:
“I don’t know what I’d say.”
“Start practicing.”
That was all.
Then Mother found out the order did not make Garrick legal dad.
She was furious.
Text to Garrick:
YOU SIGNED AWAY YOUR SON.
He replied:
He was never mine to sign away.
Good.
Then Mother:
Blood means something.
Garrick:
It means biology. Bramwell means Dad.
There.
Finally.
I saved the screenshot for visitation case because Garrick voluntarily provided it.
Mother’s lawyer hated it.
Because it showed she still prioritized blood after therapy.
May you like
Not enough to deny all contact.
Enough to support limits.
