I Was 29 and Single When I Fought to Keep Five Siblings Together. The Judge Asked Why, and My Answer Changed Everything.

‘What if family relationships or legal issues create delays?’

‘Then we keep focusing on the children’s everyday lives while the appropriate people do their work.’

Helen glanced at Patricia, then back at me.

‘That is a better answer than promising nothing will ever go wrong.’

After the meeting, I walked down to the cafeteria and called Anna.

She listened as I told her about the process, the uncertainties, and the money I’d spent.

‘You sound exhausted,’ she said.