Time for Process

[step_mom]

We've been fighting for custody of three boys (my stepsons) who live
in Illinois since last year. We live in Georgia. We have gone through
the custody evaluation and quite a few status hearings. The traveling
expenses, legal fees, and payments to the psychologist (custody
evaluator) have been extremely expensive yet will be well worth it if
we should gain custody.

The final payment has been made to the custody evaluator after the
charges went up several thousand dollars. I'm just wondering what is
the process now? If everything is in our favor then how long would it
be before we receive full custody? Also how much does this report
matter, as we hear the judge has final say in all matters so why do
they bother with the report at all?

Should this all be over soon, or could it go on another year (please
say it won't!!).

Thanks very much.