The judge set the next steps and made clear that the order did not decide permanent custody or criminal liability.

Caleb leaned toward his lawyer as the clerk finished noting the ruling.

“You’re keeping my children from me,” he said quietly enough that it was directed more to the table than the room.

His lawyer spoke to him in a low voice.

There was no shouted confession.

No officer moved to arrest him.

No hidden sentence transformed the proceeding into a final verdict.

The clerk provided the proper copies through counsel.