My abuser was arrested, and I filed for divorce, seeking full custody. He paid his way to a plea in the criminal, and 50/50 custody in family court. I appealed that order, and lost. 

Shortly after he got 50/50 custody, strangers reported he was abusing our daughter in public. Again, the District Attorney ignored the police reports and Family Court ordered a BFA (a Brief Focused Assessment.) His attorney got the BFA thrown out because it suggested I have full custody. 

He continued to abuse the kids and I continued to request a change of circumstance based on substantiated CPS reports. I finally got a no-force order. 

I left an 11+ year marriage in California with no child support, spousal support, or community property. He is a multi-millionaire and I’m a public educator. I paid him child support. Both my kids were in psych wards for suicidal ideation because they were forced to visit father.

Joan in California

Read by: Niki

Created in collaboration with: Sublime Life