Laney “I have it all here in writing,” she said to Isaac, producing a manila folder from her briefcase. “As far as the paternity issue goes, these papers simply say that you were never informed of your impending fatherhood. They go on to state that you admit paternity and that you won’t require DNA testing to begin paying child support. They also protect you from having to pay any costs Taryn incurred for birth and confinement or any back support from the first six months of the baby’s life, as you were unaware of any of that.” Isaac shook his head. “I’d pay the back support,” he said. Laney smiled. “You’re going to be a dad for a lot of years,” she said. “You’ll make up for that. Trust me.” Isaac and Laney stopped in front of the door marked PROBATE COURT. “This is it,” she said. “Are you ready?” Isaac took a deep breath. “As I’ll ever be,” he said. Isaac opened the door for Laney and they entered the small courtroom. Taryn and her lawyer were already there. Taryn’s lawyer, a heavyset, middle-aged man with a head full of silvery hair, rose and extended his hand to Laney. “You must be Ms. Christian,” he said cordially. Laney shook his hand firmly. “And you must be Mr. Colbeck.” Isaac waved quickly to Taryn, who simply nodded at him. Mere moments after Taryn and Isaac were seated with their lawyers, a judge entered the room. He sat at the bench and rifled through some papers. “This is a hearing to establish the paternity of the minor child, Clara Jane Mathews,” he said. “Yes, your honor,” Laney said. The judge nodded. “You may proceed, Ms. Christian.” Laney stood. “Your honor, my client, Isaac Hanson, was involved for a brief period last year with Mr. Colbeck’s client, Taryn Mathews,” she began. “They were involved from November of 1998 until April of 1999. “In February of 1999, Mr. Hanson and Miss Mathews conceived a child together,” Laney continued. “Clara Jane Mathews was born on November 17th, 1999. Miss Mathews neglected to inform Mr. Hanson of that fact. He found out about the child quite by accident approximately three weeks ago. As soon as he knew he had fathered a child, he found Miss Mathews and immediately went to see her about the child.” The judge looked at Taryn and her lawyer. “Is this how your client remembers the events?” he asked. Taryn’s lawyer stood. “Yes, your honor,” he said. “You may continue, Ms. Christian.” “My client is requesting that he be able to sign paternity papers for Clara Jane Mathews,” Laney said. “Further, we would like to ask that Clara’s surname be legally changed from Mathews to Hanson.” The judge looked at Isaac. “Do you want any DNA testing done?” he asked him. Isaac shook his head. “No sir,” he said. “That’s not necessary. I know she’ s mine.” “Mr. Colbeck, do you or your client object to any of the requests Mr. Hanson’s attorney has made?” the judge asked. “No, your honor.” “What about child support?” the judge asked Taryn’s lawyer. “As his earnings fluctuate dramatically from month to month, Miss Mathews has agreed that Mr. Hanson may pay any amount monthly that he deems fair,” Taryn’s lawyer said. “Good then,” the judge said. “Ms. Christian, have you drawn up the necessary papers?” “Yes, your honor,” Laney said, handing a stack of papers to a bailiff, who in turn handed them to the judge. “Mr. Hanson and I have already signed them We just need signatures from Miss Mathews, Mr. Colbeck and yourself.” The judge nodded. “So ordered,” he said, signing the papers with a flourish. “Miss Mathews, Mr. Colbeck, you may sign the papers on the way out today. Now,” the judge said, picking up another file. “We move on to the matter of visitation.” The judge looked over his glasses at Isaac and then back to Taryn. “You seem to be an agreeable couple,” he observed. “Is there any particular reason you feel the need to work this out in court?” Isaac cleared his throat. “In light of Taryn not telling me about the baby when she was pregnant, your honor, I don’t feel that I could trust her to come up with a fair arrangement and stick to it,” he said. The judge nodded. “Fair enough,” he said. “Ms. Christian?” Laney rose again. “The child currently resides in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, with her mother and 10-year-old stepsister,” Laney said. “Mr. Hanson is not seeking custody of Clara at this time. He believes that she is well taken care of and happy where she is. “However, he does wish to request regular visitation. Mr. Hanson resides with his parents and six younger siblings in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He is an entertainer in the music industry and travels frequently. He wants to be allowed to visit Clara whenever he is able to come to New Mexico, provided it doesn’t interfere with Miss Mathews’ schedule. In addition, we request that Clara be allowed to travel with her father to Tulsa for a combination of two of any of the following holidays annually: Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Halloween, Clara’s birthday, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Miss Mathews may choose which of the two holidays Clara goes to Tulsa for, and Mr. Hanson will arrange to travel with her for all out-of-state visits.” The judge nodded. “Anything else?” “One addendum, your honor,” Laney said. “We request that if Miss Mathews is to relocate more than 50 miles from where she currently resides, she be required to notify Mr. Hanson in writing at least 30 days prior.” The judge looked at Taryn and her lawyer. “Any objections?” Taryn shook her head. Laney handed the bailiff another stack of papers, which he signed. “So ordered,” he said. “Miss Mathews, Mr. Colbeck, the clerk will also have these papers for you to sign on the way out.” The judge looked at Taryn and Isaac. “I hope things work out for you.” He brought the gavel down on the podium with a crack. “Court is adjourned.”
Christian was a tall, sharp woman in her mid-30s.
She wore power suits and sensible shoes, and she was all business. Isaac had to practically jog to keep up with her as she walked quickly down the hall of the courthouse in Albuquerque.
