SESSION_START
SYSTEM
Trial session initialized.
BAILIFF
BAILIFF
All rise.
JUDGE_ENTERS
JUDGE
Please be seated.
CALL_CASE
COURT CLERK
Calling the matter of Stokes versus Stokes.
APPEARANCES
JUDGE
Counsel, please state your appearances for the record.
APPEARANCES
PLAINTIFF'S COUNSEL
Good morning, Your Honor. Alexandria Joi Taylor appearing on behalf of the Plaintiff, Tamiko Stokes.
APPEARANCES
JUDGE
Mr. Stokes?
BAILIFF
BAILIFF
All rise.
JUDGE_ENTERS
JUDGE
Please be seated.
CALL_CASE
COURT CLERK
Calling the matter of Stokes versus Stokes.
APPEARANCES
JUDGE
Counsel, please state your appearances for the record.
APPEARANCES
DAMON STOKES
Good morning, Your Honor. Damon Stokes, Defendant, appearing Pro Se.
APPEARANCES
JUDGE
Thank you, Mr. Stokes. Your appearance is noted for the record.
PRELIMINARY
JUDGE
Counsel for the Plaintiff, are there any preliminary matters before we proceed?
PRELIMINARY
PLAINTIFF'S COUNSEL
No, Your Honor.
PRELIMINARY
JUDGE
Very well. Mr. Stokes, are there any preliminary matters on your behalf before we proceed with trial?
PRELIMINARY
DAMON STOKES
No, Your Honor.
PRELIMINARY
JUDGE
Thank you, Mr. Stokes. We will proceed.
OPENING_PLAINTIFF
PLAINTIFF'S COUNSEL
Your Honor, may it please the court. This case involves the parenting time of Zaria Stokes, the 14-year-old daughter of the parties. The evidence will show that it is in Zaria's best interest to continue a meaningful relationship with both parents. We ask this court to approve a parenting time schedule that provides stability and consistency for the minor child. The Plaintiff, Tamiko Stokes, has been the primary caregiver and has facilitated a healthy relationship between Zaria and her father. We will show that continuing this arrangement serves the best interests of the child.
OPENING_DEFENDANT
JUDGE
Thank you, Counsel. Mr. Stokes, you may now present your opening statement. Please keep your remarks to 5 minutes and focus on what you expect the evidence to show.
OPENING_DEFENDANT
DAMON STOKES
Thank you, Your Honor. The evidence will show that I am a dedicated father who has maintained a close and loving relationship with my daughter Zaria. I am asking the court to approve a parenting time schedule that allows me to continue being an active and present father in her life.
OPENING_DEFENDANT
JUDGE
Thank you, Mr. Stokes.
PLAINTIFF_PROOFS
JUDGE
The court has heard opening statements from both parties. The Plaintiff may now call their first witness.
PLAINTIFF_PROOFS
PLAINTIFF'S COUNSEL
Your Honor, the Plaintiff calls Tamiko Stokes to the stand.
PLAINTIFF_PROOFS
JUDGE
Ms. Stokes, please come forward and be sworn.
PLAINTIFF_PROOFS
PLAINTIFF'S COUNSEL
The Plaintiff rests, Your Honor.
CROSS_EXAMINATION
JUDGE
Thank you, Counsel. Mr. Stokes, you may now cross-examine the witness.
CROSS_EXAMINATION
DAMON STOKES
No questions, Your Honor.
CROSS_EXAMINATION
JUDGE
Thank you, Mr. Stokes.
DEFENDANT_PROOFS
JUDGE
The Plaintiff rests. Mr. Stokes, you may now present your case. Please call your first witness.
DEFENDANT_PROOFS
JUDGE
Please describe your relationship with Zaria and your involvement in her life.
DEFENDANT_PROOFS
JUDGE
The Court will proceed to the next question.
DEFENDANT_PROOFS
JUDGE
What has been your recent parenting time arrangement and how has it worked?
DEFENDANT_PROOFS
JUDGE
The Court will proceed to the next question.
DEFENDANT_PROOFS
JUDGE
How do you and Tamiko communicate about Zaria?
DEFENDANT_PROOFS
JUDGE
The Court will proceed to the next question.
DEFENDANT_PROOFS
JUDGE
Are there any specific incidents that you believe are important for the court to know?
DEFENDANT_PROOFS
JUDGE
The Court will proceed to the next question.
DEFENDANT_PROOFS
JUDGE
Explain why your proposed parenting schedule is in Zaria's best interest.
DEFENDANT_PROOFS
JUDGE
The Court will proceed to the next question.
DEFENDANT_PROOFS
JUDGE
Do you have any exhibits or documents to present?
DEFENDANT_PROOFS
JUDGE
The Court will proceed to the next question.
DEFENDANT_PROOFS
JUDGE
Is there anything else you'd like to add to your testimony?
DEFENDANT_PROOFS
JUDGE
The Court will proceed to the next question.
DEFENDANT_PROOFS
JUDGE
Thank you, Mr. Stokes. You may now indicate if you rest your case or if you have anything further to present.
DEFENDANT_PROOFS
DAMON STOKES
Your Honor, the Defendant rests.
REBUTTAL
JUDGE
Thank you, Mr. Stokes. Does the Plaintiff wish to offer any rebuttal?
REBUTTAL
PLAINTIFF'S COUNSEL
No rebuttal, Your Honor.
CLOSING_ARGUMENTS
JUDGE
Very well. We will now proceed to closing arguments. Plaintiff's Counsel, you may proceed.
CLOSING_ARGUMENTS
PLAINTIFF'S COUNSEL
Thank you, Your Honor. The evidence has shown that it is in Zaria's best interest to have a stable, consistent relationship with both parents. The Plaintiff has been the primary caregiver and has supported the father's relationship with the child. We ask this court to order parenting time that maintains stability for Zaria and protects her best interests.
CLOSING_ARGUMENTS
JUDGE
Thank you, Counsel. Mr. Stokes, you may now present your closing argument.
CLOSING_ARGUMENTS
DAMON STOKES
Thank you, Your Honor. I have presented my case and I trust this court to make a decision that serves Zaria's best interests.
RULING
JUDGE
Damon, based on your case I am granting you everything you asked for with parenting time and more.
You have demonstrated that you are a dedicated, loving father who puts Zaria's needs first. The evidence you presented shows that you are actively involved in her education, extracurricular activities, and emotional well-being. The Court finds that it is in Zaria's best interest to have substantial, meaningful parenting time with you, including:
- Alternating weekends
- Weekly midweek visits
- Shared holidays
- Extended summer parenting time
Additionally, the Court commends your commitment to maintaining a respectful relationship with the other parent. You are a model for what it means to be a father.
This Court is hereby adjourned.
RULING
BAILIFF
All rise. This court is now adjourned.