An Early Decision

The MN Court of Appeals just released a notice. The Court will issue its opinion in my custody appeal on September 23, 2024, at 10:00 a.m.

The decision comes just 47 days after the three-judge panel’s deliberation on August 7, 2024. The Court has a full ninety days to render a decision, so this marks an early turnaround for the Court. Whether an early decision indicates a positive ruling, one cannot know, but every day counts in my battle to rescue my daughters. Here are the possible outcomes of the Court’s decision:

Affirm

Should the Court affirm the lower court’s decision, I will remain without legal or physical custody. That effectively means a denial of my parental rights related to my oldest daughter. She will turn 13 soon. I have not had any meaningful time with her in nearly three years. My minuscule time with my two younger daughters will remain at just 60 hours a month.

Affirm in Part, Reverse in Part

If the Court agrees with part of my appeal, they may affirm the trial court’s order in part and reverse in part. That means they will likely remand the case back to the lower court with instructions to reapply the law and correct its errors.

Reverse

Should the Court agree with all five of my legal challenges against the lower court’s custody order, it may reverse the decision. Several outcomes could follow, including a new trial. However, a reversal has the potential to immediately restore my rights to equal custody and equal parenting time.

What will likely happen?

I can only speculate, but after analyzing dozens of prior family law appeals, I imagine the Appellate Court will affirm in part and reverse in part. The Court of Appeals may want to avoid upsetting the family law system by overturning laws granting the state the power to determine what is in the best interests of children.

In my opinion, however, these laws violate the U.S. Constitution and wreak havoc on families. Family courts operate like the Wild, Wild West of jurisprudence. Family court officials manipulate the laws to render whatever decision they choose. State laws that appear virtuous by citing “the best interests of the children” actually incentivize conflict and ignore rights. Attorneys and so-called family support professionals pit parents against each other. Whichever parent makes the other parent look worse wins. The innocent child must learn how to navigate the minefield or face losing both parents. Trauma ensues for everyone.

On the other hand, the Appellate Court cannot simply ignore the egregious errors made by Referee Hutchison. When the record shows his refusal to change those errors following my post-trial motion, they reach the level of blatant bias.

What next?

If the Court files an opinion affirming the lower court’s decision, I will have the ability to file an appeal to the MN Supreme Court. I will not stop fighting for my daughters. Should I appeal to the MN Supreme Court, it will have 60 days to decide whether to grant a review of my case.

I need your prayers. PLEAD with the Lord to grant justice and restore the girls to their familial home and a loving relationship with both parents. Only for the prayers of people like you have we come this far.