My husband files for divorce, and my 6-year old son asks the judge: ‘May I show you something that Mom doesn’t know about, Your Honor?’ The judge nodded. When the video started, the entire courtroom froze in silence.

I met with a family-law attorney for a consultation, but the retainer was more than I could access after Julian moved our savings.

The lawyer gave me information about legal aid and emergency temporary orders.

I began preparing to represent myself for the initial hearing while continuing to seek counsel.

It was not courage that kept me organized.

It was fear, sorted into tabs.

The first tab was labeled CHILD.

The second, MONEY.

The third, COMMUNICATIONS.