The scene opens up in a small courtroom, occupied by the judge, the Halliwells, Cole and the DA representing South Bay Social Services (Leo had a charge he had to look after.) Cole has been appointed the girl's lawyer; the girls are all seated to the left of the judge while the DA is seated to the right.
"Well, well, former District Attorney Turner, it's good to see you in a courtroom again!" starts the judge as he shifts in his seat.
Cole smiles nervously, "Thank you, Your Honor."
Judge Barker then begins. "As you all know, we are here today to discuss the future welfare of a seven year old child. My records show that she was most recently held in the custody of Ronald and Louise Singer…That is, until she ran away to your clients, Mr. Turner. Is it true, that the Halliwells have had previous custody before?"
"Yes, yes that is correct Your Honor. About six months ago the child was found hiding out in Ms Piper Halliwell Wyatt's club, known as P3. They brought the child to their home and contacted the Police the next day."
"And while she resided with the Halliwells, the child took ill. Is that correct?" asked Judge Barker as he shuffled a few papers.
"Yes," replied Cole. "She went into a comma; the doctors reported it was probably due to her living on the streets in the cold with little nourishment."
Judge Barker shifts towards the DA on the other side. "Now, Mr. Clark is it true that South Bay Social Services granted temporary custody to the Halliwells once the child awoke from the comma?"
District Attorney Clark nods his head, "Yes that is correct Your Honor. But the court must remember it was temporary custody until the child fully recovered. Child Services did not want to endanger her even more by altering the stability of the child's whereabouts. But since the time period of the Halliwell's temporary custody, the child was returned to St. Matthew's Orphanage and then went into foster care with numerous couples, the last being the couple you mentioned, Mr. Ronald and Louise Singer. The child then ran away, got on a BUS," he glances over at the Halliwells but the continues, "and had the driver drop her off at the Halliwells residence in San Francisco."
"And the Halliwells have since then requested to gain full custody of the child, is this correct?"
Cole stands up again. "Yes that is correct Your Honor. The child and my clients have bonded tremendously within the short time they were together. And for the record, it has been documented that the child has run away from 15 different foster homes within the six months time after being separated from the Halliwells," Cole then looks over at the DA. "Your Honor, it is clear that this child wants to live with my clients. They will be able to provide her with a loving and safe home."
"Uh, Your Honor. Let it show for the record that the Halliwells recently had a murder in their home. And numerous times they have been involved in police cases."
"Objection that is confidential police information," Cole yelled as he stood up. The girls looked at each other worriedly. They hoped that this wouldn't ruin their chances of adopting Serena.
"Mr. Turner, may I remind you that we are at a hearing, not a trial," said Judge Barker sternly.
"I'm sorry Your Honor," replied Cole as he put his hands up.
The DA then jumps in. "Sir, we only want to thoroughly review the environment and lifestyle of the Halliwells to make sure that we are placing the child in a safe environment. They look like nice people, but we are talking about a seven-year-old child. We have to take the necessary precautions."
Judge Barker purses his lips together and folds his hands. "Very well. We'll hold a trial starting Monday at noon. Both parties be prepared to state your cases and cross examinations!" And with that, Judge Barker knocked his mallet and the courtroom emptied.