Christmas came a little early for me this year when I became part of a beautiful adoption story. I was privileged to represent Lindsay and Paul Barnett in Lindsay’s adoption of her three stepchildren.
It’s always a joy to be part of a final adoption hearing, but this one became even more special, when the probate judge allowed Lindsey to tell her story. Here is my abridged version of her story, as I recalled it (told with permission).
In 2013, Lindsay moved to Alabama where she met Lynn, who was married to Paul. Lindsay and Lynn became best friends. Unfortunately, Lynn was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer in 2018. Lindsay walked with Lynn through her sickness, supporting and encouraging her every step of the way. Sadly, Lynn passed away in 2019, when her children were only 2, 3, and 8 years old.
After Lynn’s passing, Lindsay and Paul slowly began to build a relationship and eventually married. Lindsay became a wife and a stepmom on the same day, and there was a family of five once again. Although a stepmom in legal terms, at least until adoption day, in practice and relationship, Lindsay was just “mom.” Never could Lindsay have imagined that when she became a mom, it would be to her dear friend’s children. The Lord is always at work in unexpected ways.
The final adoption hearing was providentially held a few days before Christmas. The three children were in the courtroom, waiting with excited anticipation. Paul’s mother was also supportively present. Understanding the magnitude of the moment, the probate judge graciously allowed several out-of-town family members and friends to witness the occasion via a Zoom video call. This made the day even more special for the Barnetts, who were standing in the courtroom with a peaceful and confident assurance that the Lord was leading them.
Lynn’s mother, who flew in from out-of-state, was also in the courtroom. With tears of joy and longing flowing, Lynn’s mother witnessed the pronouncement of the adoption of her grandchildren by her daughter’s best friend. Joy, hugs, and smiles filled the courtroom. If there were a viewing portal in heaven, I can only imagine Lynn’s joyful celebration as she watched the hearing unfold.
As an old prosecutor, I’ve seen tears of pain in the courtroom where stories of tragic crimes were told. Very rarely have I seen tears of joy, and never in my 30 years of practicing law, have I experienced the kind of joy in a courtroom that made my eyes swell with tears. December 19, 2024, was the first time, as I heard Lindsay tell her story and honor the Lord, the Author of Adoption, who was at work through it all. I’ve never been more grateful to be part of a court proceeding, even while playing such an insignificant role in it.
Mother and Daughter: Official At Last!
