Motion for Social Investigation.

As part of the preparation for trial. We requested a Social Investigation. This is basically a request for a custody evaluation. I got recommendation to use Deborah Day from our counselor Carol Crow. Carol told us that Ms. Day is very busy and expensive but will have a very through report that is fair for each family. I requested my attorney if it was possible we would like to use her but if he had a better recommendation, to please let me know. At my request, Mr. Rice scoffed and mocked me. At mediation in front of the mediating attorney, Mr. Rice said "he wants Deborah Day, I guess they looked it up somewhere, ha, she is very expensive 5k to 7k" then the attorney's looked at each other and laughed as if that was out of the question. I didn't understand why they were laughing at my serious suggestions and felt quite offended. Especially since Mr. Rice did not offer an alternative or an explanation. I guess I should have known that they knew they were just playing the money game with another hopeful father.

In the docket hearing for the trial date setting, we told the judge that the other party has not replied to any of our requests including the request for social investigation and we would like time to complete these things. Judge Frank Marriott said, "oh social investigations aren't really necessary are they?" and looked at Mr. Fox. Mr. Fox of course said he didn't see the need and that HE was ready to go to trial the following week. So this motion was dismissed and we proceeded to trial. The Florida Statute for primary residential parent determinations are reiterated in the motion. In the end, I think the whole Statute was summarily dismissed by Judge Frank Marriot.