I have always been pessimistic about the outcome of custody.
Kids don’t often get removed from their residence unless their is an immediate threat of physical harm or physical abuse. (People have suggested this would be different in the UK but having done charity work with vulnerable people I’m not convinced).
However I am convinced that the GAL, the evaluator, IG’s legal team and the judge will take on to consideration:
The DARVO and Alice’s behaviour
Ella’s time being out of education and Alice’s refusal to answer Ioan and his lawyer’s questions about her schooling
Ella’s behaviour towards her father and request for DVRO and her reluctance/ refusal to engage with counselling.
Alice’s failure to comply with court orders - financial info, missed demands, changing Elsie’s school
Social isolation and lack of relationships with grandparents and extended family.
I’m sure some social media such as Alice’s dream of Bianca hurting the kids will have been brought up.
Alice’s utter refusal to take on any financial responsibility for her childre
The evaluator, GAL and Judge don’t need to read here or get invested in socks to understand this case.
Physical custody may well remain with Alice.
Her huge win, at the cost of her children’s wellbeing, mental health will come back to bite her.