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Character witness for father says she never observed anger; father offers to facilitate reunification
Summary
Roberta Gilman testified she has known Michael Thomas for more than two years and described him as calm in her interactions; she said she would assist with exchanges and supervison if needed while defense argued the father has stability and resources to care for Scarlett.
Roberta Gilman, who said she has known Michael Thomas for more than two years, testified as a character witness that she had not observed outbursts or aggressive behavior when she was with him and that she would be willing to assist with exchanges or to supervise in‑person visitation if the court required it. On cross‑examination she acknowledged her knowledge of Mr. Thomas came from his account of family events and that she had not witnessed the incidents described by Rachel Thomas.
Counsel for the father used Ms. Gilman’s testimony to argue that the father has community supports and individuals who could facilitate exchanges and overnight visits in West Virginia if the court ordered them. The judge allowed the testimony but also relied on the totality of evidence — including the mother’s allegations and audio evidence the court heard — when fashioning the temporary visitation plan.
