War

Read the Recap | See the Photos

When Violet Wants to Be a Mom, Friends Become Enemies
By Moira McMahon, Researcher

In episode 321, War, all of our doctors come to court to weigh in on Violet's request for joint custody of her son, Lucas.

Violet is the biological mother, but for months she's barely held her baby. Just weeks after Lucas's birth, Violet gave him to Pete without looking back. Recently she took time off for an extended vacation, after which she considered moving to New York to work. Instead of finding a job, Violet found a therapist. With her help, Violet realized, though it may have looked like neglect to some, every decision she made was in her son's best interest. Feeling healed, she decides it's time to be an active, daily caregiver to her son.

Pete isn't ready to share custody with Violet and their disagreement winds up in family court. Pete aggressively defends his position by trying to show that Violet is erratic and mentally unstable. In the lowest blow of all, hoping to discredit Violet's desire to be a mother, Pete tells his lawyer about Violet's past abortions.

One by one, Addison, Cooper and Pete testify against Violet. Dell, Naomi and Charlotte are there to support Violet, but their own past misjudgments and statements are used against them. Violet's case for shared custody is shaky at best.

After careful deliberation the judge decides that Violet is not ready for joint custody, but grants her limited supervised visits. Violet is disappointed, but remains hopeful that her dream for shared custody will come in time.

Did the judge make the right decision?

Is it in Lucas's best interest to delay his bond with his own mother?

Is Violet being punished unfairly for being the victim of a violent crime?

If you were in the courtroom, what would YOU do?