The tone was different from the courthouse.

He wanted to discuss care, reconciliation, and his involvement in the birth.

He wanted it recorded that he was concerned about his child.

My legal-aid attorney remained involved until I could make an orderly transition to independent counsel of my choosing.

Gavin offered resources.

He did not become my lawyer, and Vanguard’s corporate counsel did not become responsible for my family case simply because they occupied the same house.

The new attorney asked what outcome I wanted, what contact frightened me, and which decisions had already been made by the court.