Child support and custody hearing. Here's a breakdown of what's happening, the key issues, and the judge's decisions:

Characters:

Judge: The presiding authority in the court.
Miss Brown: The mother of the child, Janai.
Mr. Bernard: The father of the child, Janai.
Mr. Schlatt: Likely a representative of the state (Texas)
Key Issues & Points of Testimony:

Paternity:
Mr. Bernard acknowledges paternity, and a signed acknowledgement was presented at the hospital when Janai was born.
Current Living Situation:
Janai lives with her mother, Miss Brown, and has for the past 6 years.
The first year of Janai’s life, she lived with both parents.
Mr. Bernard and Miss Brown separated in 2018.
Visitation History:
Visitation has been infrequent.
Miss Brown states the last visit was around March of this year (spring break).
She mentions a prior attempt at spring break visitation and one Thanksgiving.
She attributes the infrequency to conflicts with Janai’s scheduled events (ballet).
She emphasizes that Janai can go whenever Mr. Bernard asks unless there's a scheduling conflict.
Mr. Bernard claims Miss Brown has changed numbers, made appointments and then not followed through or denied his visitation. He claims this has occurred at least 4 times.
Child's Well-being and Activities:
Janai is active in ballet.
Miss Brown states Janai practices ballet Mon-Thurs.
She also participates in competitions.
Miss Brown expresses concern that Mr. Bernard be considerate of Janai's ballet schedule.
Judge inquires and establishes that competition season for ballet is usually the first 6 months of the year and Janai can have up to two competitions a month during this time.
Health Insurance:
Janai is currently covered by Medicaid.
Retroactive Support:
Miss Brown requests retroactive child support.
Mr. Bernard's Employment
Mr. Bernard works as a caterer, and also an entertainer
He states that his catering business brings in about $375 profit per event and 4 events per month on average and 2500 a month.
He also states that he makes $600 per month as an entertainer.
He states his business has slowed down recently.
He does not have employees, but people who help him.
Mr. Bernard's other children:
He has a total of 5 children
4 are under 18
3 of the 4 live with him
He only pays medical support for the one who does not live with him, through Medicaid.
Mr. Bernard's Disability
He is applying for disability due to type 2 diabetes, thyroid issues, pancreatic issues and heart palpitations.
This is the third time he has applied for disability.
Concerns about Mr. Bernard's ability to provide care while working.
Mr. Bernard says he is married and his wife helps.
Communication: The court stressed communication should primarily be between the parents about the child, though the judge acknowledges there may be times it needs to go through Mr. Bernard's wife.
No credit for gifts: Mr. Bernard will not receive credit for Christmas gifts or school supplies he provided in the last two years.
Explanation of Child Support Responsibility The judge explains to Mr. Bernard that every month, from the time he signed the paternity document, he was legally and financially responsible

The judge aimed to establish a clear legal framework for custody and support. The judge attempted to balance the needs of Janai, her mother and her father, while considering past history. The judge also tried to address the issues of communication while also ensuring Janai can still participate in ballet.

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