If tonight is very bad
If you might hurt yourself, or a child is in danger right now, this page can wait.
Get help now →The first 72 hours
Nothing you do today will fix this. Several things you do today could make it much worse.
DoStart a simple factual log today — date, time, what happened. Not for a court fight, just so your memory of this week doesn’t drift. How to keep a record
Don’tShow up unannounced, or send angry or pleading mass messages. Both usually make things worse, and can be used against you later.
DoSend one short, warm message, no more than daily: “Thinking of you. I love you. I’m here whenever you’re ready.” What to say
Don’tBadmouth the other parent to your child, even in response to what you’re told they said.
DoCall one professional this week — a family therapist, mediator, or lawyer — before you do anything else big.
Don’tPost about this publicly or name your family in a forum.