Chapter 4 - THE TEMPORARY ORDER
Family court happened five days after the hospital.
I was still moving slowly.
The miscarriage had become a physical absence I felt each time I stood.
My attorney was Helen Ward, a family-law specialist recommended by the hospital advocate.
She spoke in precise sentences.
“Today is not forever.”
I needed that.
I wanted forever.
Forever away from Daniel.
Forever away from Margaret.
Forever with my girls.
Courts do not usually operate on trauma’s preferred schedule.
Daniel appeared by video from county detention.
He had been charged preliminarily with repeated domestic assault and unlawful restraint while prosecutors continued reviewing the pregnancy loss.
Margaret appeared separately.
Her attorney insisted she had been a witness, not participant.
The recordings suggested otherwise.
Judge Rebecca Sloan reviewed photographs.
Hospital records.
Police affidavit.
Audio excerpts.
Then:
“Temporary sole physical custody to Hannah Cole.”
My breath left me.
“No direct contact between minor children and Daniel Cole pending forensic interview and safety assessment.”
Daniel moved toward his camera.
“Your Honor—”
“No.”
One word.
“No contact with Margaret Cole.”
Margaret began crying.
The judge continued.
“Schools and childcare facilities will be notified.”
She also froze extraordinary withdrawals from joint accounts.
Daniel’s attorney objected.
“My client pays household obligations.”
The judge looked at him.
“Then ordinary obligations may continue under monitored access. He may not use control of marital funds to deprive Mrs. Cole or the children of necessities.”
Daniel stared at the screen.
He looked more offended by the money order than the custody restriction.
May you like
I noticed.
Helen noticed too.
