Chapter 19 - Mark’s Parenting Evaluation
Mark wanted shared custody.
I did not oppose forever.
I opposed pretending nothing happened.
A parenting evaluator reviewed:
The birthday.
His statements.
Texts.
Family dynamics.
No physical abuse by Mark.
No history of violence.
Strong caregiving record in many areas.
He attended school events.
Doctor appointments.
Coached Emma’s soccer when she was younger.
Read to Lily.
He loved them.
Then serious failures:
He endorsed gender-based devaluation.
Failed to protect Emma from Diane in the moment.
Discussed daughters as part of “legacy” conflict.
Shared adult reproductive/property issues within earshot.
Allowed Diane disproportionate influence.
Recommendation:
Step-up parenting time.
Therapeutic work.
No Diane present initially.
Then increasing overnights if girls comfortable and safety remained.
Joint legal custody eventually possible.
Emma’s preference considered but she was ten, not sole decision-maker.
Lily wanted Dad sooner.
Their needs differed.
We did not force sisters to have identical schedules.
May you like
Hard.
Necessary.
