Chapter 14 - David’s counterattack
David filed for temporary parenting time.
Many people expected the court to instantly erase him as a father.
That is not how it worked.
He had never harmed Emma physically.
He had assaulted me in front of her.
Serious.
The court had to evaluate current safety.
At first, contact was supervised.
Professional center.
No Margaret.
David’s attorney argued I had staged the confrontation.
Evidence:
The hidden phone.
Emergency signal.
Emergency phone.
My father standing ready.
My prior consultation with a lawyer.
Rebecca answered:
“Planning for safety does not create assault.”
Good line.
But the opposing attorney had another point.
Why did I confront David while Emma was present if I believed an emergency plan was necessary?
I had no good answer.
Because I was angry.
Because I wanted my money back.
Because I believed evidence would keep him controlled.
Because I underestimated him.
The judge did not blame me for David’s shove.
But she told both attorneys that exposing Emma to high-conflict confrontations was unacceptable.
May you like
I agreed.
That was my responsibility.
