The filing had been suspended pending additional identification and supporting documents — materials that were never provided. The transfer had therefore never been completed.

Our home had not legally passed into Finanella’s possession. But the attempt had happened. It had been intentional. According to Barnaby, it was potentially criminal conduct the district attorney’s financial-crimes unit would need months, not weeks, to evaluate.

He explained the likely timeline with one of his legal pads between us. The recorder’s office would have to document why the filing was flagged and provide its internal records.

An investigator would have to question the notary and determine whether she had been deceived or knowingly took part. Payment records tied to the notarization fee might require subpoenas.

The divorce could be finalized long before the investigation ever reached a courtroom. I remember nodding and realizing I might still be receiving updates years after the custody agreement was signed and the moving boxes were empty.

That evening I called Dad from my car in Barnaby’s parking garage. I couldn’t discuss the documents at my parents’ house, where the children might overhear.