In February, Harold filed an application with the US State Department Hague Convention saying Stephanie took the kids from Canada without his permission. After a two day trial in May 2010, it was determined that he had given her permission. Stephanie was granted sole custody of the children by the Canadian Court and allowed to reside in Utah with the children. Harold was to have supervised visits at Stephanie’s discretion.
Prior to the May trial, Stephanie was ordered to bring her youngest child (Alex, 7 years old) to the trial as he was the only one that had a passport. Stephanie felt it would traumatize Alex to be separated from his siblings during this difficult time, so she opted to leave him in Utah with his grandparents. She was found to be in contempt of court and was fined $1500 by the same judge that awarded her custody of the children. That fine has since been paid.
During the 10+ months they were in Utah, Harold never attempted see the children. He promised airplane tickets of which he never produced and turned down offers to meet him part way. Also, there were very few phone calls from him to the chilren.
During the 10+ months they were in Utah, Harold never attempted see the children. He promised airplane tickets of which he never produced and turned down offers to meet him part way. Also, there were very few phone calls from him to the chilren.
Early in September, 2010 Harold appealed the custody order and a higher court judge over turned it based on the fact that Stephanie was in contempt of court for not bringing Alex to that May trial. The new judge from Queens Bench ordered the children be returned to Calgary until a new trial can be heard. As of today, 10/10/2010, there is an access hearing on Tuesday 10/12/2010; however, no trial date has been set.
Stephanie and the children left for Calgary on September 26, 2010 and are now living in a homeless shelter for battered women. She will be allowed to stay there for a total of 21 days, after which she is faced with nowhere to live. All other shelters in and around Calgary will not allow them to stay because they are not Canadian Citizens. She is a single mom and has had little child support in 11 months. Because of Stephanie's immigration status in Canada, she cannot legally work there; therefore, her and the children need help with living expenses for an undetermined amount of time.
Please join us for a fund raiser, which will include dinner (potato/taco bar) for a minimum donation of $10 per person.
There will be a drawing for great prizes. To get your drawing tickets, but a miniature candy bar and get a free drawing ticket. Candy bars are 2 for $5 or 12 for $25.
You can purchase them at the door or in advance by calling April at 801-455-3827 or Graham at 801-455-3825.
The dinner will be held at The Woods on Ninth (donated by Cindy Wood) located at 6775 South 900 East. Dinner will be served from 6-8 p.m. with the drawing to start near 7:30 p.m. You do not have to be present to win.
If you have goods or services you would like to donate for the drawing, please call Graham or April. Donations of all sizes are needed and much appreciated.
If you wish to make a cash donation, you can do so at any America First Credit Union under the name of "Platner Family Fund" or you can visit http://pledgie.com/campaigns/13563 and donate using PayPal.
EVERY SINGLE DOLLAR HELPS!!!
to read the news stories that have been done on this tragic and unfair situation, please visit the following links:
ABC Channel 4 news:
Calgary Sun Newspaper, done by reporter Michael Platt:
We realize there is a lot of need in our community these days but this mother and her children truly need the love and support of her community. We appreciate your consideration, kindness and generosity.
Court did not go well for Steph and the kids. Even though all three kids have spoke out about not wanting to see their dad, the judge is forcing them. Steph's attorney brought up the fact of how anxious Anthony is and the health problems it is causing him (he has lost almost 20 pounds). He asked the judge (Justice Hall) to consider Anthony's age (mature13) and not force him; however, the judge refused.
Justice Hall was very one sided, listening intently to Harold's attorney, then constantly interrupting Stephanie's and telling him he didn't want to hear the things he was bringing up. Even when Harold's perjury (from May’s trial) was brought up, Justice Hall completely dismissed it and did nothing. It is concerning how Justice Hall has handled the situation. Bottom line is that he is holding Stephanie accountable for her contempt charge that has already been dealt with and paid off, while letting Harold get away with perjury. Can you say bias????!!!!
Justice Hall ordered that the kids have a three hour visit before Wednesday and another within a week following. Then he gets them every other Saturday from morning til evening. Although I agree that the kids need to be reacquainted with their dad (in a safe and controlled environment), I am very worried for their emotional state; Anthony especially as he and Stephanie are the ones Harold bullied and abused the most.
In the mean time, Stephanie and the kids remain in the homeless shelter. I visited them there and felt better knowing they are safe (very hard to get in). There is an appeal hearing scheduled for November 11, 2010 to find out if her appeal will be heard by the higher court (equivalent to our State Supreme Court). A date for it to be heard may then be set and could likely be sometime in the New Year.
Stephanie has become reacquainted with her old neighbors from across the street. They have been unbelievably supportive. The kids love being there and spending time with their old friends. Sean and Michelle have truly gone above and beyond for Stephanie (including going to court with her), putting her in contact with people for help and giving her great direction. Them being there for Steph and the kids is the only comfort I can find in them being in Canada..
Please remember to join us for our fund raiser on Tuesday October 26, 2010 at The Woods on Ninth. If you need information, please email me at april.adams@jetblue.com.
On behalf of our entire family, thank you all for your concern, love, prayers and support.
