The document you attempted to have signed today — the voluntary surrender — while not a valid legal instrument, represents an additional attempt to circumvent the original agreement through deception.
Those are the facts.”
Penelope was looking at the table.
“What I would like to propose,” Diane continued, “is a path that avoids litigation.
Because litigation will be long, expensive, and damaging to everyone in this room — including the baby.”
Marcus looked up.
“What kind of path?”
“A new agreement.
Negotiated honestly, with full disclosure, with attorneys representing all parties.
One that reflects the actual facts of this arrangement — including the donor identity — and that establishes parental rights in a way that is legally sound and genuinely consented to by everyone involved.”
“And the fr@ud?” Joel said.
“If the new agreement is reached cooperatively, and the altered filing is corrected and withdrawn, there is a reasonable argument that the court’s interest in punishing the conduct is reduced.
