She Tried to Co-Parent with an Abuser. Here’s What Finally Changed.
Jul 25, 2025
He refused to talk about custody.
For months, she tried to work things out.
She suggested a simple plan: the child stays with her during the week (she’s available), and with him on weekends (he works 10-hour shifts one hour away).
His response?
“Let’s just keep living together.”
“I want 50/50.”
“You’re keeping her from me.”
But this wasn’t about time. It was about control.
And deep down, she knew it.
He’d spent years gaslighting her, bullying her, and denying the physical abuse that did happen. He withheld passwords. Blew up at honest conversations. Blamed her when she stayed quiet—and blamed her when she spoke up.
Still, she tried to keep the peace.
Until she had her awakening.
The Moment Things Changed
She realized:
🔘 He’s not trying to co-parent.
🔘 He’s trying to control the outcome.
🔘 And he’s counting on her fear to do it.
So she stopped waiting for him to be reasonable.
And she started planning her move.
✅ What She Did Instead
✔️ She created a clear parenting schedule based on their child’s needs—not his demands.
✔️ She met with a lawyer and started the temporary custody process.
✔️ She picked a move-out day. Quietly. Safely. Strategically.
Now?
He’s still angry.
But she’s no longer afraid.
She’s in control of the process—because she prepared before she acted.
💬 Here’s What I Told Her
You are not wrong for leaving.
You are not selfish for protecting your peace.
You are not powerless just because he’s loud.
As your Marriage Exit Strategist, I help you plan the calmest, smartest exit possible—before the blowups and before court.
As a North Carolina divorce attorney, I help women protect what matters most:
✅ Your custody rights
✅ Your peace of mind
✅ Your future
You don’t need his permission to leave.
You need a plan.
Want help building yours?
Grab your free Marriage Exit Roadmap here — or message me directly if you’re ready to start now.
You don’t have to stay scared.
You can leave ready.