One of the things that I don't like doing

[Phil Spencer]

As Justice of The Peace I get called on to witness all sorts of things. One thing that I don't really like doing is to witness peoples divorce paperwork (I suppose I believe in the sanctity of marriage and all that stuff), tonight I had a couple who were divorcing and I could not understand why the way they both behaved, it was like they were first time lovers.

The hardest one was a woman who was divorcing their drunkard husband they both came and had their daughter with them she was in tears and really upset at her parents separating it didn't help that dad was blind drunk, because dad was drunk I had to satisfy my self that he knew what he was doing and he was OK with it this made it harder for the daughter.

Life sucks for some people.

[dj_pnevans]

Well if this makes you feel better I have been married for 17years next month.
David

[ColW]

Phil,

Perhaps you could find some peace in the idea
that at the point where it's time to sign the papers
the parties involved have probably exhausted the
available avenues of reconcilliation.
It actually could be a very poignant and positive
time in someone's life.

[Phil Spencer]

Well if this makes you feel better I have been married for 17years next month.
David

36 happy years

Phil,

Perhaps you could find some peace in the idea
that at the point where it's time to sign the papers
the parties involved have probably exhausted the
available avenues of reconcilliation.
It actually could be a very poignant and positive
time in someone's life.

Suppose you are right, I try to give the people involved some dignity and stay non judgemental.

[tea lady]

Doesn't sound like much fun. Especially when you can see that they are hurting their child.

And the first couple? ...... Maybe being a proper married couple took the spice out of their love life.

How do you get to be a JP?

[Phil Spencer]

Doesn't sound like much fun. Especially when you can see that they are hurting their child.

And the first couple? ...... Maybe being a proper married couple took the spice out of their love life.

How do you get to be a JP?

The drunk was really distressing, I could see that the wife ws taking this step for the benefit of the child and so she could also move on.

The first couple, not sure on reflection, I think there was an act to cover up something my gut feeling was based on his behaviour and because a really close friend is also this way I think the husband was gay.

To become a JP now you can apply (when I became one I was approached by my local MP and I had to be referenced by three people of standing in the community, in my case Doctor, Clergyman and member of the Police force) there is a in-depth police check followed by an interview then the recommendation is made to the Attorney General and based on his recommendation the appointment is made by the Governor, it is a life time appointment and to loose it you have to do something really bad. On appointment I had to take an oath to treat all people equally and act impartially and with complete honesty and integrity when discharging my duties, something that I take seriously and try to do also in my daily life. As a JP every thing I do must be above reproach and I suppose be a role model. (when I read what I have just said it sounds stuffy).

There is a shortage I believe and if you contact the Department of Justice they can fill you in.

[rrich]

Forty four years in 9 days. Going to Hawaii to celebrate.

How???

There are two answers.

1 - We are both "Fox Hole" types. When the poop starts flying we just stay in our Fox Hole until it is over.

2 - When we got married, it was a joint decision that the check book was a 50-50 deal. I made all the deposits and SWMBO wrote all the checks. Works well after all these years.

In wood working terms, how well does it work?

When asked if I wanted something for my shed, I actually said that I didn't need anything.

[Phil Spencer]

Forty four years in 9 days. Going to Hawaii to celebrate.

How???

There are two answers.

1 - We are both "Fox Hole" types. When the poop starts flying we just stay in our Fox Hole until it is over.

2 - When we got married, it was a joint decision that the check book was a 50-50 deal. I made all the deposits and SWMBO wrote all the checks. Works well after all these years.

In wood working terms, how well does it work?

When asked if I wanted something for my shed, I actually said that I didn't need anything.

We have the same philosophy seems to work well.

[dj_pnevans]

Rich well done I hope we last that long. Have you been to Hawaii before?
David

[rrobor]

I know a couple who divorced years ago they just couldnt live together but apart they look after one another and their daughter, takes all sorts.

[bsrlee]

In NSW, prospective J.P.'s have to attend a course run by the A.G.'s Department before they are sworn in - the 'good standing' part still applies.

Again, in NSW 3 x J.P.'s can sit on the bench in place of a magistrate for certain purposes such as bail determinations or to adjourn a charge - only happens on rare occasions now in country areas where the magistate only comes to town every month or so.

[dj_pnevans]

Phil do you get paid to do this.
David

[rrobor]

Sure he does, what do you think pays for the beemer he drives and the little mirk for the misses.

[Phil Spencer]

Phil do you get paid to do this.
David

In Victoria where I live I would contrivine the evedince act to get paid it is all voluntary .

[rrobor]

I knew that Phil, just me pulling the leg, good on you for doing it.