“I want to keep my son safe,” I said.

“I don’t want a spectacle.”

“Those goals aren’t opposites,” she answered.

“We can seek appropriate protection without turning your child into a bargaining chip.”

Her first priority was my immediate safety and access to funds.

She discussed an emergency protective order with me and explained the next steps would depend on the local court and the evidence presented.

I authorized her to contact a colleague who handled financial records.

When I finally looked at the agreement, I felt physically ill.