Mrs. Doubtfire - A Father's Plea for Custody and Connection
Judge:
Miss Robeson, do you have any closing remarks?
Miranda's Lawyer:
Nothing further, Your Honor.
Judge:
Well, Mr. Hillard, since you've determined to act as your own attorney, you are entitled to make a closing statement at this time.
Daniel: [sits down]
Your Honor, in the past two months, I have secured a residence, I've refurbished that residence and made it an environment fit for children. Those are your words. I'm also holding down a job as a shipping clerk. So I believe I met your requirements ahead of schedule. In regards to my behavior, I can only plead insanity, because ever since my children were born, the moment I looked at them, I was crazy about them. And once I held them, I was hooked. I'm addicted to my children, sir. I love them with all my heart, and the idea of someone telling me I can't be with them, I can't see them every day...it's like someone saying I can't have air. I can't live without air, and I can't live without them. Listen, I would do anything. I just wanna be with them. You know I need that, sir. We have a history. And I just - they mean everything to me, and they need me as much as I need them. So please, don't take my kids away from me. Thank you.
Judge:
Mr. Hillard, you've been able to fool a lot of people into believing you're a 60-year-old woman. No easy task. And your little speech seemed to be very heartfelt and genuine. But, I believe it to be a terrific performance by a very gifted actor. Nothing more.
Daniel:
No, it's not that.
Judge:
The reality, Mr. Hillard, is that your lifestyle over the past months has been very unorthodox. And I refuse to further subject three innocent children to your peculiar and potentially harmful behavior. It is this court's decision to award full custody to Mrs. Hillard.
Daniel:
Oh, God, no, sir, please...
Judge:
You will have supervised visitation rights every Saturday.
Daniel:
Supervised, sir?
Judge: [bangs gavel]
Yes. A court liaison will accompany you when you spend time with the children. I am suggesting a period of psychological testing and perhaps treatment for you, Mr. Hillard. We will re-examine this case one year from now. Thank you. Court is adjourned.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Mrs. Doubtfire - Court Ruling on Child Custody Case
Judge:
Mr. and Mrs. Hillard, although these custody proceedings have always tended to favor the mother, we also realize, perhaps, now, more than ever, that it is not in a child's best interest to deprive him or her of an obviously loving father. However, since at the present time, Mr. Hillard has no place to live and no employment, it is the court's ruling to award sole custody to Mrs. Hillard.
Miranda's Lawyer:
Congratulations.
Daniel:
No...
Judge:
Mr. Hillard will have visitation rights every Saturday.
Daniel: [whispering to his lawyer]
Can't you do something?
Daniel's Lawyer:
He's already made his decision.
Daniel: [to the judge]
Isn't it traditional to say, like, "I object" or something? Your Honor, please. I mean, every Saturday, that's one day a week. That's not enough. I have to be with my children. It's not a question, really. I mean, I have to be with them, sir, please. I know it seems like a lot, but for me, it's not enough, really. I haven't been away from them for more than one day since the day they were born.
Judge:
Mr. Hillard, I would like to add that this ruling is only temporary.
Daniel:
Oh, good.
Judge:
I will assign a court liaison to oversee your case, and there will be a continuance of these proceedings in 90 days. I'm giving you three months, Mr. Hillard.
Daniel:
Thank you.
Judge: [bangs gavel]
Three months in which to get a job, keep it, and create a suitable home. If this proves to be a possibility for you, I will consider a joint-custody arrangement when we reconvene. We're adjourned.
Daniel's Lawyer:
Well, it looks like there was a little light at the end of our tunnel, eh?
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.