TEXAS DAD DIVORCE GRANTED - AWOL WIFE (VIDEO)

Bexar County Courthouse, 
San Antonio Texas
Judge Stephanie Walsh

I was looking forwarded to observing divorce cases in Texas. Primarily because I was told by former female petitioners, that Texas favored husbands and treat wives as chattel.  Many having little to NO rights during the divorce process.  Wow but my visit today really opened up my eyes.  I assumed that all courthouses functioned the same procedurally at least.  

Meaning that once I perused the court calendar, found a case of interest, then I'd proceed to the courtroom to listen in. Well, it's a tad bit different with Bexar County courts in San Antonio, Texas. 

The morning calendar was quite full, so I decided to attend afternoon court to avoid the morning traffic.  With my daughter in tow, we drove around the courthouse a couple of times, located parking on the street parking in front of a beautiful red brick historical building. Put money in the meter, approached the stairs leading to the courthouse, walked through the doors and security check.  This is when we noticed how sparse it was. The sheriffs were very kind, talkative, reminding me of that good ole Texas hospitality. 

Finally, we found room 109. Let me tell you, when I enter a court room I'm like a kid with a new toy.  New experiences, give me a natural high because I’m always excited about what I might discover in the courtroom. Everybody has a story, each visit is a different experience, e.g., the parties involved, types of cases, aesthetics, the judge’s demeanor, attorneys behavior (if present), bailiffs attentiveness, etc.  Room 109 was much larger than most courtrooms I’ve visited in California. I located seating on a bench in the corner, where it was easy for me to remain incognito, spread out, yet able to hear well enough. 

As I quickly prepare to take notes, it appears the judge is in the middle of a conference so I was unable to hear or understand the conversation.  One by one, several litigants are called to approach the bench, all requesting translators. I suppose the microphone was turned off because we were unable to hear the details of the cases. I was an earshot away, but still difficult to hear. The clerk asks the parties a series of questions pertaining to protective orders and their divorce; most of their responses were “No".

If you learn nothing else while visiting a courtroom, it is that patience is a must.  Yet, I was growing more and more frustrated trying to listen and retain enough quality information to share with you for Family Court Friday. I didn’t want to waste much more of my time, so within a few moments I followed a Bailiff out of the courtroom to inquire about the court procedures.

After the Bailiffs' advice I returned inside, sat on the bench and when the judge announced, “We are beginning the 10:30am court".  She also apologized for the delay.  But, oh my, these two darn cement pillars in front of me are a huge obstacle. "If you cannot see me than I cannot see you”, says the judge.  

“Is Mr. Holmes here, Mr. Watson?” 

An attorney stands and responds, “I heard you ask for Mr. Watson, I’m neither”.

It’s been approximately an hour-and-a-half, I’m surveying the courtroom noticing it’s less and less populated and I'm worried that I am not going to retrieve the substantial content that I need for the day.  So, guess what? I walked out of the courtroom, when I noticed different people standing in the foyer.  I walked up to a young woman with a child, “Are you here for a divorce”.  She bluntly responded in a very, don’t come up to me tone, “No”!  Still looking around I don't see anyone, then out of my peripheral vision (side eye), I notice an attractive guy, with two little girls.  I followed behind him as he entered the glass doors, into the foyer, and back into Room 109.

I took a seat on the front bench.  I'm not sure why I was so anxious to hear his case.  The judge called, “Mr. Marcus …. “ he approached the bench with those two cute little girls and the clerk began asking the petitioner the same questions as above. The next thing I heard was the judge granting Marcus’ divorce.  OMG! Now I’m really confused.  But, if you don't know me, April kicked it up a notch .. I was on a mission…

Click on the video below to hear Marcus' story....  I was impressed..