In a recent court session, significant discussions unfolded regarding a child custody case involving two children, AL and RL. The proceedings focused on determining probable cause related to allegations against the children's legal parentage and the potential involvement of other parties.

During the meeting, attorneys for both parties expressed their preference for a bench trial, allowing the judge to decide on the case without a jury. The court acknowledged the need for updates on a request made to the Veterans Affairs (VA) regarding the case, which was submitted on September 16, 2024.

Legal parentage for both children has been established through affidavits, but questions arose about the biological father of one child. The attorney representing the children's mother indicated uncertainty about the biological father of one child, suggesting there may be another individual with legal rights. The court emphasized the importance of clarifying this matter, as any potential father would need to file an action to contest the established parentage.

The session also included testimony from Hannah Trapp, a health services investigator for the Department of Health and Human Services, who confirmed her role as the petitioner in the case. She revealed that the department became involved after allegations surfaced that the infant's meconium tested positive for THC at birth.

As the court prepares for a pretrial and trial, both parties have opted to hear evidence presented by the department, indicating a commitment to thoroughly address the allegations and ensure the best interests of the children are prioritized. The next steps will involve further investigation into the parentage claims and the implications of the THC findings.