Part 2 — Uncovering the Foundation

For the next twenty minutes, Douglas described me as an unemployed visitor in my own marriage. Barrett had built a logistics enterprise from the ground up, he said — the hundreds of employees who depended on him, the contracts he’d negotiated, the wealth he’d created.

He noted that I hadn’t held a full-time job since the twins were small, and left out why. He claimed I depended entirely on Barrett’s income and would struggle to give the boys basic stability without it.

He made no mention that I’d managed every aspect of their daily lives for eight years.

When he finished, he requested primary physical custody for Barrett and limited, supervised visitation for me until I could prove financial independence.

Judge Lawson turned to my side of the room. “Mrs. O’Connell, who is representing you?”

“I’m representing myself, Your Honor.”