Chapter 24 - DIVORCE AND CUSTODY
The divorce settled eleven months later.
No courtroom fireworks.
Meridian Atlas remained mine as separate pre-marital business, subject to a negotiated marital appreciation payment to Dominic because evidence showed his household contribution supported some growth years.
I hated writing the check.
It was still fair.
Dominic retained his retirement account subject to equalization.
Townhouse:
I refinanced and bought out his marital equity.
Not confiscated.
Joint savings divided after restitution adjustments approved by court.
No alimony due comparable earning capacity and circumstances.
Restitution for company fraud separate from property division to prevent double counting.
Brooke’s settlement credited where legally appropriate.
Good.
Custody:
I retained primary physical custody.
Joint legal custody was not immediately restored.
Dominic received structured decision-making rights after release contingent on treatment, but medical/therapy authority remained primarily with me for two years due prior interference.
Supervised contact after release.
Potential step-up.
No Victoria unsupervised.
No Brooke contact with Leo except sibling-related therapeutic settings, unless later agreed.
Liam’s relationship with Dominic handled in a separate paternity/custody case.
I did not control.
Then one hard point.
Leo wanted Daddy.
Not full time.
Not never.
He wanted:
“Daddy pancakes.”
Dr. Sloan said:
“Attachment did not vanish.”
I knew.
So after release, contact resumed supervised.
Dominic followed.
No comments about autism.
No food rules.
No comparison.
No forced affection.
One visit:
Leo crawled beneath table voluntarily because room was loud.
Dominic started to say:
“Come out.”
Then stopped.
He sat on floor outside.
Waited.
Leo came out when ready.
The supervisor wrote:
“Father demonstrated improved regulation.”
One line.
Earned.
May you like
Not enough for custody change.
But real.
