Original subtitles

Previously on Family Law.

Okay.

She's awesome.

Her? Yeah.

She's here tonight too, but I met Martina.

First box of old case files, complete.

You get all these on your own?

Yeah. Picking up your game.

She's going out of date.

No, she's not.

Still there?

Jesus Christ.

She pre -drank a bunch of stuff from her grandma's liquor cabinet. Doorman asked

me about half an hour ago, said Nico walked through the night from Deep Cove.

I'm not letting my children spend another minute here. Your children? You

get a say in this. You are a lousy mother and you're a lousy grandmother.

Frank, you need to pull yourself together. And you get to say less than

He wants a child custody and access evaluation, which will recommend what

of parenting time you have, if any.

How many sexual partners have I had?

Like, in my entire life?

Fakers doesn't give a take.

Have you ever performed any sex acts that would be considered risky?

Risky sex acts?

Like what? On roller skates?

Abby. What does any of this have to do with my ability to parent?

A child custody evaluation is a comprehensive psych assessment. That

digging into your dating history.

I've been married to Frank for 15 years. What dating history?

What about whether or not you were faithful during the marriage?

I hope they ask Frank that question.

Should I bring up his infidelity?

I suggest being child -focused with your answers.

There's no reason to sling mud.

But if Frank does it, then it puts him in a bad light.

If I had just stayed in that night, none of this would be happening.

It's not your fault, Mom.

Frank.

Sophia's 14.

She's old enough to look after her brother.

He didn't do anything wrong.

And she's going to talk to Sophia and Nico, too?

Basically everyone in your life.

What kind of questions does she ask the kids?

It depends.

She might ask if they've witnessed one parent scourging the other, or do they

feel safe in mom or dad's care.

Abby, you're a great mom.

You have nothing to worry about.

Is that...

Our brother make me out of a car like a teenager?

Yep.

Hi, Clara. Good morning.

I thought you ordered a Tesla. I canceled it.

Yannick talked me out of it.

When did you take advice from Yannick?

Gotta admit, I'm impressed.

Electrochromic glass.

Bespoke air suspension, biometric stowage, in -car video surveillance. I

referring to her, but please keep talking to us about your car. People

that.

Looks like things are going well between you and Clara.

Upping my age limit on stellar singles was the best decision of my life. Hear

that, Lucy?

Dating an older woman.

Congratulations, Danny.

How does it feel to be so evolved?

Hilarious. Hurry up. We've got a meeting in ten.

Saddest thing? Probably one of the best days of his life.

I need a copy of this book. I'll see you up there.

Morning, Mr. Spenson.

Miss Bianchi.

Morning, Winston.

Okay, someone's got to say it. That outfit is fire.

Trying something new?

It's your client's son.

She's waiting in the boardroom.

Hiya, Winston.

Cecil.

This came in for you.

Got another postcard from Nina.

Oh, where are they now?

Bangkok. Eleanor and I took a trip there for our 20th. Brian got a street tattoo

of a lion.

And it got infected.

Oh, figures.

Nina was our old receptionist. You told me.

We kind of had a thing.

No, you didn't.

It was unspoken.

Oh.

What animal would you get? Hello, it's Benson.

It's Benson. How may I help you?

Um, there's no line lit up.

Yes. Yes, I do have time to take a survey.

My son's been accepted to a new school.

It's for neurodiverse kids, like Dion.

But Andre, my ex, won't let him go. Why not? For starters, it's in Victoria.

Uh, what's your current parenting schedule, Jessie?

Um... He's with me during the week. He's with his dad on weekends.

I'm the primary.

Do you need to take that?

Sorry, I can't shut it off. I'm a teacher on call.

The court leaned towards the child spending time with both parents.

Yes, I want that too. Our schedules do not have to change. Dion can travel back

on weekends.

Andre's just so angry he's not thinking straight.

Do you need a minute?

Andre posted this online.

For a good spanking, call me at 604... My phone's been buzzing all morning.

I made the mistake of answering the first few.

Is that a mushroom? Oh, no, that's definitely not a mushroom.

Can I get you something to drink?

Excuse me.

Don't touch my headphones.

They're my buffer.

It must be some game you're playing.

It's not a game. I'm coding my app.

I'll have a soda.

I'll have a soda, please.

Why would your ex do this?

Our divorce got ugly last year. Even at our worst, Andre was never this bad.

Anything change recently?

I have a new boyfriend.

Andre's had like six girlfriends since we split.

God forbid I meet anyone new. Typical.

He started with stuff like putting sugar in my gas tank, which cost an arm and a

leg to repair.

Then he sent an email from my account to all my contacts, my parents, co

-workers. Everyone thinks I have gonorrhea.

And now... Have you taken this to the police?

They say there's nothing they can do. I can't prove it's him.

I read your interview, Mr. Stenson, how you're all about getting couples to work

together instead of against each other.

That sounds really nice.

I'll see if I can get Andre and his lawyer in.

I thought Frank was being a jerk.

Abigail, I have a few minutes. Let's talk now.

Phil, what's going on?

Frank has asked for a child custody evaluation.

And he's a fool.

Those are always tough on the kids, on the whole family. So I've heard.

I also know they're going to interview everyone in my life. You want me to bury

Frank, let something slip?

I'm more worried about my own past slip -ups.

I know this puts you in a difficult position.

It might, if there were any slip -ups to report.

Good thing I haven't witnessed any.

A real lawyer's office.

Too bad you won't be here long enough to enjoy it.

Take a Jesse's back?

Her ex should be here any minute. Can't wait to meet this lovely drag of

humanity.

What were you and Harry meeting about?

You can't stand it when I have a moment alone with him, can you?

Well,

I'm going to be straight with you. Don't say it's about partnership. That's

getting old.

I'm about to get dragged through a child custody evaluation.

Brutal.

Sorry to hear that.

Harry will likely be interviewed.

Chances are you will too.

So, whatever your feelings are about me, I'd appreciate it if you... It's okay.

Abby, I got your back.

We're hoping to de -escalate this tension.

Come up with an agreement concerning your son's education.

And put an end to your serial harassment.

My harassment?

Still playing the victim, I see.

Did she tell you about the time she keyed my work van?

Or when she cut the crotches out of my pants?

All of them.

I was upset. He was cheating on me. Whatever happened in the past doesn't

justify your client's abusive behavior. My client has done nothing. Well, this

spank me ad didn't post itself.

She posted it.

You think I'm doing this to myself?

She's setting me up.

Making me out to be the crazy one.

Also, she can take that job in Victoria.

The move is not about my job. Right.

It's about sticking her son in a school for messed up kids. Kids with special

needs. Dion is fine when he's with me. You're never with him during the week,

Andre. I'm the one taking calls from teachers every time he has a meltdown.

Now he's skipping class. Dion's not the one with the mental issues.

I know you're behind this. You obviously have different ideas about what's best

for your son. They do. We've gone back and forth on this for months with no

resolution. Let's leave it for court.

I wonder how long before these boys get sick of your bullshit.

Who was your previous lawyer?

Candace Birch. She wouldn't do anything about Andre's harassment.

Candace? She's a pretty aggressive lawyer.

Was it true, what Andre said?

Yes, there's a job, but I only started looking after Deanne was accepted.

No, I meant...

About cutting the crotches out of all his pants?

I'm not proud of that.

You should be.

I'm fired.

But I'm past it now. I'm in a good relationship. I just want to move on.

means doing what's best for Dion.

So, are you going to make the call, or am I?

Ms. Fullerton?

Yeah, I repped her.

Why'd you part ways?

That's lawyer -client privilege.

Let me rephrase.

Did you ever suspect that Jesse could be doing these things to herself?

Are you not hearing me?

Look, all I'll say is Jesse's version of reality is not necessarily on point. So

if you decide to represent her, proceed with the cut.

Let's be strong.

Yeah, okay.

Hey,

sweaty?

No.

Right.

Nylon shorts.

Yeah, I'm getting flashbacks to prom.

Kathy Sanchez was my date. I was traumatized. Well, I promise it was just

traumatizing as it can be.

Can we grab lunch later today?

Sure. Nicola Zantico?

Sounds great.

Why don't you swing by my office first?

I'm going to show you off to my co -workers.

Okay,

okay, okay.

So your parents divorced?

When I was seven.

Do you have any siblings?

Two half -siblings that I know of.

Well, here we are, baked from scratch this morning.

I'm off to my volunteer shift at the soup kitchen. Honey, I'll let them know

couldn't make it this time.

Bye.

Does a lot of volunteering?

Honestly, her idea of charity is bidding at those cheesy bachelor auctions.

And the scones are... Whole foods.

That's okay.

They're my favorite.

Her heart's in the right place.

She's just looking out for me.

What was your parents' relationship like?

Well, they were actually really, um...

They weren't the greatest role models.

For anything.

No.

My dad cheated on my mom.

So naturally my mom told me everything.

And the arguing was non -stop.

It's like living in an Albie play.

I never wanted my kids to go through anything like that.

Well, here we are.

Level with me, Jessie. Why did Candace drop you as a client?

I included an email that Andre sent me in a court affidavit.

And I may have...

Okay, I know how this is going to sound.

You doctored it. I didn't add anything that Andre didn't say to me in person.

Okay? I just put it in writing. Jessie.

I swear, I am not doing these things to myself. It's Andre.

If I could prove it, I would, but I can't. And... No one will believe me.

Okay.

I'm really sorry for everything you're going through, but... You don't believe

me either.

Daniels made his decision.

Love that one.

See you now.

You're not mad at me, are you?

I'm sorry.

I should have given you credit for helping with those files.

Yeah, you should have.

It's just, no one ever says, attaboy, good work, Cecil.

Terry still calls me by a woman's name.

You're Mensa.

I didn't think you needed the praise.

Six years ago, I competed in this thing.

The World Stem Federation competition.

I play silver.

Mom took my medal. She said, this doesn't look like gold.

Wow.

It's practically the same thing.

Why would Andre slash your tires?

So I'd be late to pick up Dion. Anything to make me look bad in court?

Gary, you're here.

Of course. He sounded so distraught on the phone.

Did you pick up Dion?

I tried. He cut class again.

It's okay. I called him. He's safe at home.

Oh, Miss Bianchi, this is... Gary, Gary, this is... Abigail.

Okay, I'll be right back.

You've got to help her. The police have been useless.

Andre's attacks, they're getting more extreme.

Jessie's terrified.

She could have slashed her own tires.

When? Right before her meeting with you.

You didn't see her. She's at her breaking point.

It is possible Jesse's doing these things to get sympathy.

Munchausen syndrome.

Like that stepmom in The Sixth Sense?

That's Munchausen by proxy.

Or Jesse's just got a bad case of divorce psychosis.

I've certainly seen my share of that from scorned women over the years.

Harry? Bitches be crazy? That's your argument?

Ask your mother about the time she loaded my jockstrap with cayenne pepper

before my hockey game. No one wants to hear about your jockstrap.

What if Lucy meets with Jesse?

She believes she's telling the truth.

We'll take her case.

Okay, fine.

Okay, I guess I can do that. Thank you for asking.

Daniel, your lunch date is here.

Ah, everyone, I would like you to meet my girlfriend.

Clara? Harry?

I'm going to use the restroom.

Meet you at the elevator.

What? Mary and Daniel dipped their fish sticks in the sandal.

Then

the

contractor went directly to my client to talk about his concerns.

Really?

That's not right and now the entire project is in jeopardy crazy

Go on ask me

whatever it is you want to know Where did you two meet

Reflections cocktail lounge when about a year ago

How long did it last couple weeks

It was a blip.

Then my firm's name took it off, Svensson and Svensson.

I didn't know his last name.

It was a few nights.

We didn't do a whole lot of talking.

Thank you. Hey.

Sophia just texted me. Apparently Valerie met with Nico yesterday.

How'd it go?

Let you know when he stops ignoring my calls.

Jessie, everything okay?

The job in Victoria, it's on hold.

The principal received an anonymous email. Apparently some parent said they

slapped their kid.

They're investigating me. Deep breath, Jessie. It will be fine.

This is Dr. Simpson. Oh, the one who's going to figure out if I'm a nut bar.

That's not how I'd put it. No, it's okay.

I want to know, too.

These days I wonder if I am crazy.

Follow me.

Are you getting any sleep?

Barely.

I've never been a paranoid person, but lately I'm just on edge.

Was Andre ever physically or psychologically abusive when you were

We had our screaming matches, sure.

But I never felt unsafe.

And now you do.

After I met Gary, maybe... Maybe Andre thinks he's being replaced in Dion's

life. But I've said it a thousand times. Gary is not moving to Victoria.

Tell me more about Dion.

How has he adjusted to the separation?

Not great.

But he has these moments.

He made me this really cool stop -motion animation once.

A bunch of dancing jelly beans.

It said, Happy Mother's Day, you're sweet.

People don't see that side of him.

He's a good kid.

But yes, it gets challenging.

Has Dion had a formal diagnosis?

Oppositional defiance disorder.

Andre says he just needs more exercise.

I took Dion to see a play once.

And something, the light or sound, set him off.

You should have seen the way the other kids looked at him. Even the parents.

When people see you as crazy...

They treat you like you're contagious or dangerous.

I just don't want Dion to feel that way.

What do you think he needs?

To be understood.

To have teachers that get him.

And I found a place that can give that to him. The way Andre is wearing me

some days I just want to give up.

Mom, Dion, just take a seat.

Why didn't you pick Pierre from school?

Buddy, you know I had a meeting. I don't like getting picked up by him. All

right, just take it down or not. Get out of my face!

I'm sorry, Gary.

It's okay.

It's a stressful situation, but we've got this.

If I ever talked to my mom like that, my face would be in the side of a milk

carton.

Come in.

What is it?

I just... I don't want there to be any awkwardness between us.

Awkwardness? How?

Come on, Dad.

Clara. Ah.

Well, there's no discomfort on my end.

She's a great gal. You should see where it goes.

If you think she's so great, why did you stop seeing her?

I just needed a woman with a little more substance.

But I think Clara's great for you.

You and Harry measuring fish sticks? Not funny.

Yeah, it is. The whole thing is freaking hilarious.

Want me to pump your tires for the custody evaluation?

Lay off.

I don't think Jessie is lying.

Her lack of sleep, high alertness, there's symptoms of hypervigilance,

suggests she's legitimately scared.

Fine. We'll represent her.

I'll get Cecil to draft a contract of representation. I'll drop it off.

on my way home.

Wait, what about... Oh, you're going to want to hop on the sea bus and catch the

212 to Deep Cove.

Excuse me.

Oh, hi.

Is this your place?

No.

I'm her lawyer, Abigail.

Aiden.

Do you have any idea how the fire started?

Some kind of accelerant. Probably gasoline.

Sounds like arson.

I can keep you updated on the investigation.

Let me give you my contact info.

Sure.

Here you go.

Is that for the fire station, or...? No.

My cell.

Feel free to call.

Anytime.

Happens.

Not to me.

Should I take that personally?

No.

No, not you.

You're great.

It's just... When I'm with you, I start picturing my dad.

Wait, no.

That didn't come out right.

Is this something you think you're going to be able to work through?

I want to.

But I don't know.

Maybe it's best if you sleep in your own bed tonight.

I'm sorry, Clara.

Maybe I can... No.

This isn't just about a school in Victoria.

We need to convince the judge to grant Jesse emergency full custody of Dion.

Great. Do it.

Really?

Everything okay?

I don't want to talk about it.

This wouldn't have anything to do with your Oedipal crisis.

Clara broke up with me last night. Said I had daddy issues.

Wow, Clara. Accurate read.

Says the person who wrote the book.

Jesse, you know Dion can't be in the courtroom.

He won't go to school.

He's still terrified from last night.

I'll stay with you.

In

closing,

Your Honor, Ms. Fullerton only wants what's best for her son.

And her ex has responded with a campaign of terror. One that could have caused

bodily harm last night. We ask that you not only grant Ms. Fullerton's request

to relocate to Victoria, but that you grant her emergency sole custody.

depending on the outcome of the investigation.

Counsel?

Your Honor, I agree with Ms. Bianchi on one point.

Ms. Fullerton wants what she thinks is best for her child, and she'll do

anything to get her way. Last night, my client was painting the interior of an

office building. A whole crew can vouch for him. His crew is a bunch of high

school buddies that are still kissing the quarterback's ass. They'll say

anything to cover for him. Will you give it a rest?

I'll have order in my courtroom.

We have concerns about Ms. Fullerton's mental health. We believe she is doing

these things to herself.

A million objections.

This is complete speculation.

News article dated 1990 about a fire at Ms. Fullerton's childhood home emailed

to my office anonymously.

Objection. We haven't seen this. You're seeing it now, Ms. Bianchi.

I'll allow it.

Investigators discovered the fire had been started by the family's 10 -year

daughter. When asked why she'd done it, the girl said, I wanted to see the

pretty flames.

The circumstantial evidence is damning. Out of concern for the child's safety,

we ask the court to grant Mr. Fullerton emergency interim custody of their son.

Objection. Counsel just admitted the evidence is circumstantial.

Nevertheless... I'm afraid I must lean on the side of extreme caution and grant

Mr. Fullerton emergency sole custody. Your Honor, the child has special needs.

Jesse is his biggest advocate.

To be reviewed in one month, when perhaps we will have more clarity.

Was

it

true? What the article said about the fire? I was 10.

I wasn't trying to hide anything from you guys.

Hey.

Dad said I'm going with him. I'm supposed to be with you tonight.

Yeah, buddy. We made some changes to the schedule.

Listen, it's going to be okay.

No, it's not. It's Taco Tuesday.

We'll have tacos at my house. No, we have tacos at Mom's.

Go to your dad's tonight, okay?

If you do that, I'll bring you anything you need.

Hey, give it time. Everything will get sorted out.

I know we don't want to believe it's Jesse, but I don't think it's Andre

No, he seemed genuinely concerned for his son's safety.

What if it's someone else? Someone we haven't even considered?

It would have to be someone with intimate knowledge of Jesse's past.

Someone who could gain access to her computer.

Maybe they installed spyware or a keylogger. Then they'd have access to

everything. Her contacts, passwords, schedule.

Dion.

I met him after my session with Jesse. He was angry because Gary picked him up

from school.

He texted Abby, too. He grunted something about coding an app. Yeah, and

Jesse's tire got splashed, Dion skipped school.

No. Not a chance.

He has oppositional defiant disorder. He's not a criminal mastermind. Nobody

thinks that, but this can't be easy for Dion.

Maybe he's doing this to try to sabotage the move to Victoria?

Does he even want to go?

Dion hates change.

But I know my son.

And he would never hurt anyone.

Especially not me. Can I at least bring your laptop back to the office?

All right, Cecil.

Do your computer thing.

Computer thing? Way to value my skills.

Gonna... Stop by the fire hall and see where they're at with the investigation.

Why don't you just call them?

Aiden, right?

Abigail.

I thought I'd come down and see if there were any updates about the fire.

Nothing new to tell.

Sorry you had to come all the way down here.

Oh, it wasn't far.

Unless I get to check out this big shiny truck.

And I bet you got a pole hiding in there somewhere.

Did you want to hop in?

It'd be weird if I said yes.

Well, most people who want to go on the truck are under ten.

Oh, another fire to put out.

Only if I leave my chili on the stove too long. It's my turn to cook.

Anne's got to eat.

I should go check on it. Yeah, I should get going too.

Abigail, wait.

Harding gift.

Oh.

Thank you for your service.

Pickle, can I help you?

Ta -da!

Did you make that for me?

In recognition of exemplary acts of piling and friendship, best office

assistant. Oh, Cecil. And look, it's gold.

I love it.

Thank you.

Well, basically you went all the way down there for nothing.

I wouldn't say nothing.

Picked up a bundle of toilet paper on my way back.

You were right.

That's spyware on Jesse's laptop.

Good.

So now are you able to trace the signature back to the person who

I'm not Mr. Robot.

Maybe we don't have to trace anything. Maybe we can bring the source to us.

If I email Jesse, can the person who installed the spyware read it too?

That's kind of the point.

What are you doing?

Emailing Jessie.

Letting her know that her neighbor across the street has reached out.

And as luck would have it, her brother is visiting.

He owns a car with a video surveillance system.

My car has a video surveillance system. She thinks he has footage of the person

who started the fire.

She'll meet us tonight so we can check the video.

So now whoever put the spyware on her laptop will want to get to that video

before we do.

She's setting a trap.

Yeah. Wait a minute. Whose car are we using?

Frank's car has video surveillance too. Why don't we use his?

Four words. Child custody evaluation.

Dumbass. Guys, relax.

No one's going to go near your precious car. We're going to swoop in.

Guys!

Gary?

My car.

Gary?

What the hell are you doing?

Okay, okay, let me calm down.

I'm looking out for you. Did you also tell yourself that when you set her

on fire? Wait, wait, wait. The ad?

The anonymous email?

That was all you? I love you, Jessie.

It just made me sick to feel the back and forth you had with your ex. He's

Dion's dad. I wanted to show you his true colors. You mean your true colors.

then you wanted to move to Victoria.

We have a good thing here. Don't.

Because of you, everyone thinks I'm a danger to my son. I think we can agree

that kid is a wedge between us.

That kid? You can't see what a negative force he has in your life. Let's face

it. He's weird.

Give me the tire arms.

I just wanted us to be free from all this craziness.

You are the craziness!

Let me guess. It was the boyfriend.

How'd you know? I listen to a lot of true crime podcasts. It's always the

boyfriend. Lucy says she's a narcissist with a savior complex.

Had to let go of my sous chef for stealing a side of beef, but you went

crazy story of the day. Oh, no, there's more.

You remember Clara?

Of course.

I love her pantsuit. Well, turns out she and my dad used to... No.

Yeah. And I couldn't get over it.

So she dumped me.

My girlfriend. It's that mom. My girlfriend. It's that mom. Okay, okay,

I know.

I'm really sorry your ex -master's bad.

Thank you.

I liked her, too.

I feel terrible.

Trust me, you'll be fine.

One day she'll look back and say, I dated two sons, and one of them had a

butt.

Wait,

I'm the one with the great butt, right?

Mm -hmm.

I am so sorry I blamed you for all this. I feel so stupid.

He played all of us.

The thing about creeps, they work overtime to not seem creepy.

My boss once asked me to pull his finger.

We would like to make an application to vary the temporary custody order.

Reasonable. What about Victoria?

My job offer is back on the table.

And I still think this is the best school for Dion.

I don't like being so far away from him.

I know I only have him on weekends, but at least he feels close.

The new school ends at noon every Friday. Jesse could get Dion on the 1 p

ferry. You could have him on pro -D days and long weekends.

Only until the end of the school year. Then we reassess.

I'd like to pick up the kids from school today, Frank.

I can bring them straight to you.

Can you give me a ten -minute car ride with them?

Call me back.

There's someone here to see you.

Walk -in? I don't think he's here for legal advice.

You're here.

Yeah.

Is it about the fire?

No.

I was wondering if you'd like to go out tonight.

Uh, I have to stay late tonight.

Or a thing.

I get it. I should have called.

Maybe tomorrow?

Great.

Yeah, great.

I'll call tomorrow then.

Okay.

And how long have you been in this current job?

Almost 10 months.

What is your relationship like with your boss?

That's a loaded question.

I've worked for my dad.

Oh.

How has that been for you? You said you were estranged for a long time.

33 years.

Yeah.

But we settled into a bit of a rhythm.

And he did help me out when I needed it.

Something he never lets me forget.

Does your substance use cause any problems in your life?

Alcohol has caused problems in the past, but I've been sober close to a year.

Have you ever neglected your children when you were under the influence?

No, I haven't.

Mr.

Bianchi mentioned a few occasions.

When you passed out and left the children unattended.

I mean, I took naps when the kids were young, but who hasn't?

He said one of these naps resulted in your daughter getting frostbite.

Apparently you left her outside.

She was building a snowman without gloves on. She was in the backyard where

could see her. There's no judgment here, Abigail.

I'm just relaying what he told me.

He also talked about a time your son cut his hair with a sharp pair of scissors.

They were plastic from his Play -Doh set.

These things could happen to any parent.

Your daughter Sophia mentioned a video that wound up on YouTube of you in

It was almost a year ago.

Her peers still tease her about it.

Look, that is something I will...

forever be ashamed of. But you have to understand, Frank had just kicked me out

of the house the night before.

Because of your drinking?

Yes. And did you respond to the stress of that situation with more drinking?

Yes, because I'm an alcoholic.

I'm just trying to understand the full picture. No, no. You're trying to fill

the picture Frank is painting. Oh, poor Frank. Because of all of his problems is

my drinking.

Well, what about him?

How he lied to me when he said the affair was over.

How he's keeping my own children from me.

Has he mentioned any of that?

Sorry. No, it's okay.

You know what? I think that's enough for today.

Yeah.