I was served while waiting in line for my turn to access the company sponsored outplacement resources. I came home to find the locks changed, my clothes boxed and in the driveway with another copy of the restraining order placed neatly on top. My severance package should have lasted for months, but I was almost immediately forced to choose. Should I use my remaining funds to fight the divorce and for custody of my daughter or to live? I chose to fight, but I was simply outmatched.

Lawyers, psychologists, judges all came to the same conclusion. I was a mentally abusive, unfit parent. I was unemployed, and without means to...