CALGARY, Nov. 9 /PRNewswire/ - In an unexpected move, the State of Oregon has dropped its action against Calgary mother Lisa Kirkman. The state was suing Kirkman for the costs of holding her son, Noah, in foster care in the U.S. for two years, despite his being a Canadian citizen.
Judge G.J. Burrell first heard the case in Calgary Provincial Court September 14, 2010, but adjourned it several months. Today an agent for the State of Oregon appeared before the same court to withdraw the lawsuit altogether.
"It seems the State of Oregon has a sense of shame after all," commented Daniel Mol, lawyer for Lisa Kirkman. "The public pressure on them must have been enormous. And, really, what was there to gain from chasing a single mother?"
"I am completely relieved," added Kirkman. "We thought our ordeal was over when Noah finally came home, but to have this lawsuit hanging over our heads added insult to injury. It's a big weight off my shoulders. And I want to thank my legal team - Daniel Mol who's taking on the State of Oregon, and Tony Merchant, who helped me bring Noah home."
"With this out of the way, we will be suing the State of Oregon in the U.S. for compensation for Lisa and Noah, and to send the message that you don't mess with Canadians." Mol confirmed. "We want Canadians stranded abroad to know they're not alone. There is a network of professionals who want to help. If your loved one is stranded in a foreign country, let us know."
In 2008, Lisa Kirkman sent her ten-year-old son to Oregon for the summer. Shortly afterwards Noah was apprehended by social workers and the family's nightmare began. The boy was held in foster care in Oregon for almost two years while his mother fought to get him back. Noah was finally returned to Canada in June 2010.
Mol Advocates (www.moladvocates.com) is an Edmonton-based law firm, with a focus on litigation, particularly cases with international dimensions.
SOURCE Mol Advocates
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