Leila had found a family-law attorney named Ruth Bennett, who agreed to meet me by video call before my discharge.

Ruth asked for a straightforward timeline, medical discharge information, documentation of Vance’s behavior, and a description of our finances.

She didn’t promise that any court would instantly agree with me.

She explained that arrangements for parenting, support, and property required formal procedures and careful evidence.

“What matters most right now,” she said, “is your recovery and Oliver’s care.

We can seek appropriate temporary orders if circumstances justify them.

Don’t assume you must negotiate everything alone in a hospital room.”