(To the melody of “Someday at Christmas” by Stevie Wonder)

Someday at Christmas, men will be glad,

When the mother of their child admits to them being the dad.

They just want to be involved, they only want what is best,

So long as there’s no need to have a paternity test!

Someday at Christmas, women will rejoice,

When the family court system finally listens to their voice.

They will no longer fear to say what they must say against others,

Knowing they will be treated and seen as good mothers.

Someday at Christmas, children in care will get to smile,

They will spend time with their parents who they’ve not seen in a while.

There will be no thoughts of risk, or orders of protection,

But rather, they will simply enjoy natural love and affection.

Someday at Christmas, support payors will be content,

Knowing how well their support payments have been spent.

They won’t snicker or complain, they won’t move to reduce,

Because they will know full well that their money was put to good use.

Someday at Christmas, all parents will be grateful,

They resolved their family dispute without being hateful.

They put aside their differences, they controlled their own fate,

Because rather than going to court, they decided to collaborate.

Someday at Christmas, the family courts will be hushed,

The staff will finally pause, after being hurried and rushed.

The clerks and reporters will laugh and will cheer,

Forgetting for a while that it’s “back to business” in the new year.

Someday at Christmas, the family court judges will rest,

Knowing full well that, over the year, they did their best.

They conferenced, they opined, they offered solutions to help settle,

And when the moment was right, they accepted terms without meddle.

Someday at Christmas, family lawyers will take time and reflect,

They will be glad about the files they decided to reject.

No client or case was worth risking their health,

Even if it means a reduction in wealth.

Someday at Christmas, family lawyers will be revered,

For all their hard work and sacrifices, they will be cheered.

But it was never about the accolades, the money, or even the fun;

It was the satisfaction in knowing that their work was well done.

Someday, at Christmas time.