Packing, packing and more packing

Everything fell into place, so we are moving in just three short weeks!  We have no idea how well this is all going to work out, but we are going to make the most of it.

We were able to get our house sold in just three short days, and the offer was even more than what we asked for.  We have spent a ton of time talking to movers and the lenders and the real estate people, and now, Ken and I are going to stress out about the logistics of making it all work out.

It looks like we will be set to move out on July 31st.  Let's see how this goes!!

As for my current job at CAVA, they have refused to negotiate with me on the pay.  Even after receiving the email stating I did a great job and they were going to give me a raise, they maintain that it was a clerical error, and I am only allowed the Teaching job for $11,800 less per year.  Um, no!

Now, my court date to fight the ex for permission to move with the girls was completely entertaining.  He told the Judge and the mediator that he completely "forbid" me from moving with the girls.  While listening to him ramble on, it was hard to keep a straight face.  Seriously?

• He has never paid a penny for child support
• He doesn't contribute anything to the girls' lives
• He fights everything that I try to do to enrich the girls' lives
• He fights all medical and dental items where he thinks I can get him to pay money

Oh and the list goes on and on.  I have to say that it was hysterical to listen to him, in hindsight.  At the time, it was nothing but stressful, and it pissed me off completely.

I initially had paid for an OSC to request the move away.  With the contract from Hardin pending signature, I asked Stephanie to request an ex parte to speed things up.  It turned out that the ex parte was a fabulous idea.  Judge Martinez listened to both of us, and he informed me that he could not rule on a Move Away during an ex parte, but he could order an emergency Mediation date, which he did.  

When I went in for Mediation, I did not have high hopes.  First, the Mediator looked 12 and like he had never shaved.  He asked questions he shouldn't, and he seemed to be giving Dad a LOT of leeway.  I was completely worried that I would be allowed to move but have to pay for all of Dad's visitation.

Then, I got the report.  Oh Hallelujah!   This guy got everything correct!!  I have never had things going this well for me, AND he gave me things that I wasn't even asking for - such as sole legal custody!!!  Talk about doing a happy dance!!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxfEnNvyUe1TQnFJamxZVFdHU00/edit?usp=sharing

When we walked into court for the actual hearing date, the Bailiff handed Jackass his copy of the report.  Ken and I watched him read the report and saw him go from angry to raging to crying and back to raging.

My case ended up being called last for the morning, and Jackass pulled the "I'm too hurt to pay attention" card.  He even had the nerve to ask for a month to see his doctor and then return to court - knowing that I had to tell the job yes or no by the next day.  Thankfully, Judge Martinez didn't buy into it, but he did allow Jackass to "collect" himself during the lunch break.  That meant I had to wait and go back which was complete crap, but I didn't have any choice.

Michael had spent the morning with us, and then Kim joined us for the afternoon portion of the show.  It's one thing to hear the stories about your ex, but it's another to see it all in action.  If they had any doubt if I was the asshole or not, it was quickly dispelled. 

After we ate, we returned to court and quickly sat down.  Judge Martinez had a trial for the afternoon and stated we would have to start before his 1:30 trial.  We saw Jackass in the hallway.  He was limping and crying.  Oddly enough, we watched him leave after we sat down which worried me.  Luckily, he arrived in court as the Judge called us forward.

When asked if he had had a chance to collect himself, Jackass said "barely" as he had "spent the entire time icing his neck and was still in great pain."  I managed to get through that without making the gagging noise.  The Judge said that my request to move was in "good faith" and that Dad had not made an effort in over three years to see his children.  He ordered everything per the mediation suggestions and added that Jackass could have one call per week for 10 minutes per child, that Jackass has to give 30 days notice for visits and be required to pay for them in their entirety, and that if I return to CA, I am to give him 30 days notice so he can elect to take a visit.  

I know have an actual Judgment!!  I don't know what to do with myself!!  Jackass agreed to allow everything else be vacated which means all of the financials are no longer on the table, but I am fully aware that I will never see Child Support from the selfish bastard.  I am now completely done with his ass as are the girls.  Whoo-hoo!

So, off to Montana we go!!