The custody evaluations began in the spring, a team of psychologists and social workers descending on the safe house to observe Emma and her children in their new environment. It was an intrusive process, Emma found, having strangers watch her parent, taking notes on her interactions with Liam, Sophia, and Yara, asking questions that probed into the most private aspects of their lives.

But she understood why it was necessary. Daniel was fighting for custody, claiming that Emma was ...