Panagiotis Pilafas’ lawyer, Nikolaos Limpantsis, stated on camera that his client is requesting joint custody of the children, after Katerina Papoutsaki was previously granted sole custody due to a default court decision issued in his absence. He emphasized that the goal is for the children to spend more time with their father, and noted that the couple’s current relationship is strictly formal and concerns only matters related to the children.
He explained in more detail: “We are currently in court because my client, Panagiotis Pilafas, was judged in absentia in a petition for protective measures filed by Ms. Papoutsaki, which resulted in her being granted sole custody of the children. At this point, we are requesting joint custody so that the children can spend some time with their father. We believe this is in the best interest not only of these children, but of any child. Both the female and male presence — the maternal and paternal roles — are necessary.
In essence, he does have communication with his children, but it is within a very limited timeframe. What he is asking from the court is for the children to spend more time with him, so that he too, like any other father, can exercise his role as a parent. Today, the hearing for the temporary order took place, and in a few days, we will proceed with the petition for the modification of the previous court decision regarding protective measures.
Currently, the relationship between the couple is formal and strictly limited to matters concerning the children.”
Source: protothema.gr