Original subtitles

Previously on Family Law.

I just wanted to drop this off.

It's a basic separation agreement.

What are you doing? All of Maggie's trims are in there. It's not worth the

it's printed on.

Maggie?

You have no part in my daughter's life.

Now please leave.

You know what I like most about her?

You're way less uptight around her.

The disciplinary board also requires random breathalyzer tests. I know.

Your kid. Our kid, actually.

Abby, can I talk to you for a second? Bring your boy toy into our professional

community. This isn't my community.

My probation's going to be over next month.

You're seriously willing to risk your reputation as a family lawyer just to

spite me? The court's made the right call last time.

I'm confident they'll make the right call again. Phil, then I guess we're

to court.

So, who is she?

Who's who?

Dude, I know your pattern.

You break up with someone, we hang out a lot.

Find someone new, you disappear.

I've barely seen you lately.

So?

It's not what you think.

We're just friends.

Bullshit. Straight men, straight women?

Never just friends.

Just because you're still living in a 90s sitcom.

Look me in the eye and tell me you don't want a banger.

It's not like that.

Then with not a whiff of eye contact.

How have you not been sued?

He says I haven't.

So when do I get to meet her?

No offense, but you would reflect very poorly on me. What do you mean?

Ms. Bianchi, we've determined that you've fulfilled the terms of your

The board is satisfied that you are capable of practicing law unsupervised.

Thank you, Mr. Swenson, for mentoring Ms. Bianchi for the past year.

We wish you all the best, and we hope to never see you again.

The feeling's mutual.

Your fine lawyer, Abigail.

As I've mentioned before, you have a home.

At my firm, if you want it.

Thank you.

I've drawn up an offer.

You're joking, right? Let me tell you a story about a man named Tiger Woods.

He's a golfer. I know who Tiger Woods is, Terry. When he got mired in scandal,

all of his sponsors abandoned him.

All but one, that is, Nike.

Nike stood by him.

They believed in him, helped build him back up. Nike offered him a multi

-million dollar contract. You're offering me less than a caddy makes.

It's a fair offer for someone in your position.

The Law Society just said... You must recognize that last year's scandal will

hang over you for some time.

I am sure you could find another job, but I don't think you'd enjoy doing in

-house legal for an insurance company.

Let me be your Nike, Abigail.

I have a meeting.

Good. Good for you to keep up with AA.

I've been watching you closely this past year.

Your comeback has been remarkable.

Like Peyton Manning after he had spinal fusion surgery.

You men just love a sports analogy.

That work you did on the class action suit was a thing of beauty.

Thank you, George.

The other partners and I voted on it. Now that your probation's over, we're

willing to take you back.

This can all be yours again.

What's your offer?

It's got

remote

keyless entry, and it's got a CD player that can hold up to six CDs.

How retro.

I love the color. Banana?

Citron. Ooh.

Check it out, Mr. S. Now that I'm officially a paralegal, treated myself

new set of wheels.

Only 250 ,000 clicks.

Well done, Citron.

In three minutes, you two will officially be late for work.

Gravity. Soul of wit.

Danny, I... Do you have a... I kissed Martina.

It was impulsive.

Stupid. She has a boyfriend.

And she couldn't get away from me fast enough.

I'm trying to write her a text, but I don't know what to say.

Why not be a grown -up and call her?

Right.

Right. Right. Good idea, Luce.

This is why you're a psychologist.

So what's up with you?

Well, how'd it go?

You're looking at a practicing lawyer again.

Congratulations.

Feel free to use work time to set up meetings at other firms.

Thanks. I'll get any remaining case files off your plate.

Great.

Oh, and happy to give you a reference.

Just know that it might take some time for you to land somewhere, but I'm sure

someone will want to... I've already had two offers.

Really?

Who from?

George Handler, for one.

Seriously?

You sound so surprised.

Was it good?

Better than good.

He offered me partnership.

Really? After everything... Well, that's great news.

You are a born ambulance chaser. Family law was never your thing. It's not what

my second offer thinks.

Partner's meeting starts now.

Gotta run.

Good luck with it.

Hey, maybe we can grab lunch once in a while.

I have some concerns.

The last quarter was excellent, but that was largely due to the class action

suit Abby brought in.

Projected net.

It's harder to gauge.

Why is that?

This came in yesterday.

Our lease is up for renewal and the rates are almost doubling. Highway

We could look for new office space.

Something in Railtown.

Railtown? We'll need less office space now that Abby's leaving. Not so fast,

Danny boy. We don't know yet that she's leaving. We don't?

Oh, for...

You were her second offer? Did you not tell Daniel? I didn't think I'd have to

run such an obvious idea by you. Of course you should have to run it by me.

a partner. And what did you mean, second offer?

Oh, you don't know.

George Handler's offered her partnership.

Happy leaving, Dad.

You're here.

Tell me everything. How's Maggie? How's the baby?

Maggie's still in hospital. She's doing fine.

Harmony's thriving.

Harmony?

What a beautiful name.

Maggie doesn't want me to have anything to do with the baby.

I guess it's what I deserve.

No, it's not what you deserve.

And Maggie can't make a unilateral decision like that.

We'll talk this through later, okay? I have to be in court.

Is this Bianchi versus Bianchi? Yep.

Good luck.

Mr. and Ms. Bianchi, let me just say that I know more about both of you than

ever cared to.

And neither one of you come up smelling like roses.

I'm dumbfounded that two family lawyers have let this get all the way to court.

Actually, I'm not technically a family lawyer.

Did I give you permission to speak?

Let's proceed.

First on our agenda, Your Honor, is spousal support.

Ms. Bianchi has made substantially less than Mr. Bianchi this year, but my

client would like to offer the higher end of support as a goodwill gesture.

Miss Bernstein?

I'd love to believe in Mr. Bianchi's generosity, but my client could soon out

-earn him again.

Just like I did for most of our marriage, meaning I'd be the one paying

-end support.

Reality check. With your reputation, you'll be lucky to find any work at all.

Here's the thought. Why don't we waive spousal support altogether?

We would never agree to that.

What a surprise.

I should just call her right I've been thinking about what you said you should

be included in more of the decisions around here

Glad to hear it. Jerry's done the math. We'd be wise to cut costs moving

forward. Agreed. Which is why we should move to a more affordable space.

And look like we're on a downward slide?

Absolutely not. We need to cut the fat. Lay someone off.

Preventative measures.

I can get on board with that. Good. Decide who's expendable and break the

Wait.

You want me to do it? You want to be part of the hiring decisions?

You need to be part of the firing decisions.

I just came from the hospital to see if I could talk things through with Maggie.

She took my name off the visitor's list. I couldn't see her or Harmony. Okay,

this is bullshit.

And it would never stand up under scrutiny. You're still Maggie's wife.

parental rights.

Not necessarily.

I had a separation agreement drawn up, and I may have signed away my rights as

parent. What kind of bargain basement dumbass advised you to do that?

Who would possess you to do something like that? I was simply ensuring my

daughter wouldn't have a lifetime of support payments for a child that wasn't

even hers.

Jesus, Harry.

I'm simply trying to get you a clean break, a luxury I never got.

Oh, what are you saying? That you wish you had no part of my life after you and

Mom split? Of course not. And you played zero part in my life. You had a 33

-year clean break.

Not financially. I paid spousal and child support to both your mothers.

Oh, the injustice.

Yeah. Well, our mothers had the daily grind of raising us. You were getting

writer's cramps from signing all those checks.

Hello. Can we get back on topic, please?

Mr. Svensson, Mrs. Vittetti's on line two and she's sobbing again.

All of you, out. But we still had out.

So that's it?

I mean, there's nothing that I can do.

Has Maggie countersigned the separation agreement?

I don't think so.

Honestly, I don't think she's even seen it.

I left it in her apartment the night I called 911. She's still in hospital.

You've still got a key?

It feels a bit trespassy. If you can get those papers, this can be resolved

quickly and painlessly.

We can set up a four -way meeting and ensure your part of Melody's life from

on. Harmony.

Loose.

Why didn't you tell me about this sooner?

I tried.

But your head was so far beyond us again.

Sorry.

But I got your back from Noah, okay? I'll take over from Dad. I don't want

I want Abby.

Why? Because you haven't once asked me about Maggie or Harmony.

Abby's a mom.

She knows what I'm going through.

I have Craig.

You have got to stop doing that.

Knock, knock.

I got you this over lunch.

For your new car.

No way.

I'm a necky -necko.

Winston, thank you.

I love it. The grandpa and grandma had one for their car, and they swore it was

their good luck charm.

I'm leaning towards Geordie Randall.

He's the entire accounting department. Who will write our checks?

Okay. What about Juanita Lopez?

She takes more sick days than anyone.

Absolutely not.

She has a child with disabilities at home, hence the six days.

How about Annie Makita?

He must be near retirement.

Which is why it would be cruel to put him out to pasture two years early. I

won't hear of it.

Winston? You touch Winston, you'll be looking for a new office manager.

One of the paralegals, then?

Yes. That probably makes the most sense. Okay, but which one?

Well, you know the expression, last one in, first one out.

Like, give me a high five.

Hey.

When were you going to tell me about George Handler's offer?

Jesus, are you stalking me? Have you made your decision yet? Well, it's a

one.

Partnership with a ridiculously high base salary and a corner office that

fit six of mine in it.

Or a windowless box that still smells like fart.

The sarcasm is unbecoming. Let me put this in terms you can understand.

George's offer was like Nike wooing Tiger Woods.

Well, then, you should accept.

Harry, I appreciate that you've given me a home for the past year, but I think

what I need more than anything is a clean break.

Shirley, hi.

How is your cruise? This is breaking and entering.

My name is on the lease.

I still pay rent.

I just came to get some papers.

These ones?

I brought them to the hospital last night for Maggie.

You've signed away your rights. You have no claim to this child. Now get out and

leave my daughter and granddaughter alone.

We have to figure out a way to fight this.

Guys, it's okay. I made my bed.

No. Harry made your bed.

You shouldn't have to lie in his dirty sheep.

Abby's right. We just need to find the angle.

Maybe we could argue she didn't get any legal advice?

Sure. Perjury is your thing.

The agreement was an offense in an offense in an envelope.

How about this?

You didn't get any sound legal advice.

While Harry might be one of the top family lawyers in town... The top.

In this case...

He let his own feelings about parenthood and his own abysmal track record with

parenthood cloud his judgment.

That's our argument. Lucy received egregiously bad legal advice.

Absolutely not. I won't have this firm's reputation dragged through the mud. You

mean your reputation.

And I'd only be speaking the truth. If it weren't for you, Lucy wouldn't be in

this situation.

Abby's right, Dad. Come up with a different strategy.

Like what? You're both lawyers.

Figure it out.

The house was largely financed by Miss Bianchi.

It should go to her.

She hasn't lived in the house for over a year. She chose to move out. Chose?

Miss Bianchi, hush.

It makes more sense for Mr. Bianchi to stay in the house. It's what the

are used to. And he will be the primary parent. Says who? My client will have

equal parenting time.

Mr. Bianchi is willing to let her have them every other weekend.

Are you kidding me?

Miss Bianchi, you are not at home watching an episode of Big Brother.

No running commentary.

Your Honor.

This is yet another example of Mr. Bianchi's punitive behavior.

I'm not trying to be punitive. I'm trying to be practical.

Miss Bianchi will be returning to personal injury law.

Did you think I wouldn't find out?

Is this true, Miss Bianchi? Will you be returning to personal injury?

I've had an offer, which I'm mulling. She billed close to 2 ,000 hours a year

when we were married. How can she provide a reasonable home for our

she's never there?

haven't even taken the job. Both of you, shut it.

Counsel, can you please stop your clients from popping up like whack -a

My apologies, Your Honor. My client is simply thinking of the best interest of

the children.

I think I have all the information I need.

We'll reconvene tomorrow once I have my decision.

You should have told me about the new job.

It's just an offer. I haven't said yes yet.

But you will.

I'd like to, but what's the impact going to be on all this?

Well, a fair chunk of your new earnings could go to Frank.

I'll pay him top tier if I have to. I don't care about the money.

Two, please.

Will this affect my parenting time?

No. I'm convinced you'll get equal access.

Maria Natale is not going to punish a woman for having a career.

Frank's not wrong.

When I was doing personal injury, I barely saw the kids during the week.

So? With the money you'll be making, you can hire a live -in nanny.

One who does housekeeping.

The kids are how old?

Eleven and fourteen.

They're practically out of the house already.

Do you have kids?

God, no.

Water.

Tissues.

And our termination guide.

Where are you going?

Joining Eleanor for a late lunch. You can't. You have to stay. I do not, and I

will not.

Cecil, can you step into my office, please?

Knock, knock.

Have a seat.

First, I want to give you this.

Come on, open it.

It's for your new car.

Winston got me one, and I know you have a new car, too.

And really, I just want to show my appreciation for all the support you've

me on my journey to getting my paralegal certificate.

These last few years at the firm have been the best of my life.

You're like a second family. I have to let you go.

Go where?

I'm really sorry, Cecil.

Yeah, me too.

Should I park my car somewhere else?

I knew this spot was too good to be true.

Harry would like to see you in his office.

Maybe the tightwad's about to make you a better offer.

Close the door.

I've given it some thought, and I've had a change of heart. You've decided I'm

worth more than Tiger Woods' caddy?

What?

I meant your strategy.

Go ahead.

Argue that Lucy got egregious legal advice. I'm willing to sacrifice my

reputation for my daughter's happiness.

Of course you are.

I'm saying your strategy is sound. It's a compliment.

Yeah, I'm happy for Lucy.

Hey, word of advice, Harry.

Every parent has a favorite child.

Most of them are just better at hiding it.

I don't have a favorite.

Please.

You've handed everything to Lucy on a platter.

You're willing to drag your reputation through the mud for her.

You would never do that for Daniel or me in a million years.

One year ago, your life was a mess.

You were a mess.

No one wanted to take you on.

When I decided to mentor you, my friends, my colleagues, my own family

questioned my sanity.

And how did you thank me?

By being rude, obstreperous, ungrateful, and getting loaded in my office.

And I gave you a second chance.

So don't you dare accuse me of never putting my reputation at risk for you.

I have taken more bullets for you than my other two children combined.

Go to George Handler. Enjoy your swanky new office and your big paycheck.

I wish I could be in there for moral support, but your lawyer is right.

I should stay away.

Joanne, what are you doing here?

I'm Lucy's bonus parent.

Thank you for doing that.

Dr. Svensson, can you tell the court why you signed a document that relinquished

any claim to your child?

When your lawyer is also your father, you tend to do what he suggests.

Do you regret that decision?

With all my heart.

Thank you, Dr. Svensson.

Your Honor, Dr.

Svensson and Ms. Roth chose the donor together.

Dr. Svensson was with Ms. Roth at the clinic, and the law clearly states that

the child is born through assisted reproduction, the person who was married

the birth mother when she became pregnant is the child's parent.

Counsel Rath.

Ms. Sugimoto, you may cross -examine.

Thank you, Your Honor.

Dr. Sensen, how long were you and Ms. Roth dating before you proposed?

Three months.

Wow, that's over a wind.

I guess you could say that, yeah. In fact, you told Ms. Roth she was the only

woman for you.

Objection. Relevant.

Overruled.

I believe I said that, yes.

And less than one year into the marriage, you started having an affair?

Objection. This isn't a morality play.

Sustained. Mr. Kimura, get to the point.

My client was very clear leading up to the marriage that she wanted a family.

that correct?

Yes. And during your brief marriage, what was your level of interest in

child? Not much at first, but I... How often did you see Maggie during the

pregnancy? Well, never, but that's because she didn't want to see me.

Can you blame her?

Objection!

Relevant?

Your Honor, my client's infidelity is not relevant to her ability to parent

child. Sustained.

And if I hear another word from you... I will have you removed from my

courtroom. Move it along, counsel.

My colleague is correct in her reading of the law, but she neglected to mention

the second part of that law.

The person is the child's parent, unless the person didn't agree to be the

child's parent, or unless the person changed their mind about being the

parent. Ms. Roth was the one who wanted to be a mother. She made all of the

decisions leading up to that, and she went through her pregnancy alone.

Dr. Svensson, on the other hand, showed zero interest until she spent a few days

in hospital with the baby.

She is an impulsive flip -flopper who could just as easily change her mind

again.

She is not a stable influence for a child and should have no part in the

life.

Cecile, I need this copied.

I'll copy them, sir. How many do you need?

Three. Where's Cecile?

He was let go.

Daniel fired him.

You fired Cecile?

Yes. Why?

Because you asked me to fire someone. Not Cecile.

Bonehead has moved, Danny.

I'm so sick of this.

Nothing I do is good enough for you, even when I do exactly as you ask.

You are constantly broadcasting the fact that I'm a disappointment to you.

Well, I'm good at what I do, Dad.

Even if I do it differently than you. You are spouting nonsense.

I know you think Abby is the better lawyer.

But she's believing I'm the one who's staying. So, maybe it's time you show me

little respect and appreciation.

Because if you want this firm to keep the Svensson name, I'm not Svensson.

I feel like Ingrid Bergman in Casablanca.

Well, what about us?

We'll always have AA.

Doesn't have quite the same ring to it, does it?

I'm going to talk to that stubborn old mule one more time. Please don't.

Honestly, I think this is for the best.

This family works better for me at a distance.

Like Earth to Neptune distance.

Don't even think about taking the chair.

I thought to myself, they'll have to carry me out in a coffin.

It's just an office space, Harry.

It's an image.

I think I'd rather retire than move.

I don't believe you. You're just having a rough week.

Rough is an understatement.

The depths of my children's ingratitude.

I have done more for them than they will ever know. And do I ever get so much of

a thank you?

All they do is moan, complain, and tell me what a lousy father I was.

Welcome to parenthood, Harry.

Hmm.

With respect to child support, the amount will be based on the federal

support guidelines.

Spousal support will be set at low range.

Mr. Bianchi, a year ago, I granted you emergency interim custody for all the

right reasons.

Ms. Bianchi was not a fit parent, as was made clear in a very public way.

However, I have reviewed the Law Society's report, and I have seen Ms.

in action in my own courtroom.

And I must commend you on doing the hard work to get your life back on track.

Mr. Bianchi, you and your lawyer have gone to a great deal of effort to

Ms. Bianchi as an inadequate parent.

You insisted on the child custody evaluation.

You fought against equal parenting time.

And to suggest that a job with long hours should mean less parenting time

offends my sensibilities.

I'm ordering 50 -50 parenting time.

I do agree with Mr. Bianchi on one matter. It is in the best interest of

children that they stay in the family home. They've had enough disruption.

Therefore, I am ordering a nesting arrangement.

You will both take turns living in the family home. One week on, one week off.

But, Your Honor. I am not asking for your input.

Thank you, Cordelia, for everything.

You're welcome.

Can I give you a hug? No.

Good luck, Abigail.

Harry's going to miss you.

I'm uping my offer to your sister.

Of course you are.

I wanted you to know because even though I'm senior partner, I still should

inform you of these things.

I'd have preferred being part of the discussion beforehand as opposed to

told after the fact. Fair enough.

But as a partner, surely you can see your sister has value.

I know it's still nowhere near what you'd make at George Handler's, but I

know you'll make the most of an eat what you kill deal.

My base salary?

You understand, I can't pay you more than Daniel.

On paper, at least.

I'm listening.

I'd like to set up a trust fund for Sophia and Nico.

They'll be able to attend any university they want.

You should do that anyway. You're their grandfather.

Tell me you'll think about it.

I'll think about it.

Are you keeping the Bianchi name?

I hadn't given it any thought.

You could be the future of this firm, Abigail.

Sounds like Harry gave you the best offer he could.

But it can't be close to the money you make in personal injury, right?

No, not even in the ballpark.

Well, George Handler sent me some details of the first case he'd like me

on. Do tell.

Remember that guy who had a heart attack on Robson Street and a good Samaritan

gave him CPR?

Yeah, she saved his life.

He's suing her.

No. for cracking one of his ribs while performing CPR.

Well, even creeps need lawyers.

You'll just have to hold your nose like you've done a million times before.

That I have.

Or you don't have to take his offer.

You don't have to take your father's offer either. As this week has proven,

other firms will come knocking.

Can I get two pistachio, please?

Ms. Ross, when you found out your wife was having an affair, how did that make

you feel?

Devastated.

I know the feeling all too well.

Objection. We don't care about her feelings.

Sustained. Ms. Bianchi, get to your point.

What did you do when you found out?

I asked Lucy to move out.

And when she tried to contact you?

I told her I wanted nothing to do with her.

So when your lawyer says Dr. Svensson wasn't around for your pregnancy, she

just honoring your wishes, was she not?

I suppose.

I just went through a nasty divorce.

My ex and I put each other through the wringer.

Objection. Why is counsel sharing her personal life? I'm getting there, Your

Honor. You have my word. Get there fast, Miss Bianchi.

We made decisions based on anger and hurt.

Not on the best interest of our children.

And that is exactly what's happening here.

Everyone has the right to change.

Not just their minds, but who they are.

Dr. Sensen thought things would be easier for everyone.

She made a clean break.

And it would be easier.

As we all know, family is messy.

Complicated.

Aggravating as hell.

She's come to realize she wants the messiness.

She's committed to this child and deserves to be part of her life.

Most important, the child deserves to have love and support

from both her parents.

Council rest.

I have carefully considered the arguments laid out in this case, and I

favor of the defendant, Lucinda Svensson.

Yes!

She is the child's parent with all the rights and responsibilities that come

with that. Her name needs to be added to the birth certificate.

Ms. Roth will be the primary parent while the child is still an infant.

Dr. Svensson can visit for up to two hours per day.

Ms. Roth, I know it is hard to set aside your own feelings towards Dr. Svensson.

But having her in your child's life will only give her more love, not less.

This matter is adjourned.

Well, how did it go? I am officially Harmony's parent.

I'm glad it worked out for you.

It was all Abby. She was brilliant.

Congratulations, Mom.

Can I see you in your office?

I took the liberty of unpacking your things.

Daniel. Yes.

You can rehire Cecile. Your sister is staying. I'm confident our earnings over

the next year will be stronger than we initially anticipated.

You're giving me my job back?

Yes. That's amazing!

I mean, I'll have to think about it.

What do you want?

A parking spot.

And a raise.

I can give you the parking spot.

Sold!

Guess you've heard.

Yep.

We're going to be one big unhappy family.

That's it?

How about even a tepid congrats?

You couldn't have just taken the job with Handler?

That was awesome. I can't believe you helped me negotiate a parking spot.

Nope, that was all you.

Want to celebrate?

My tree, we could go to Moxie's.

I'd love to, but my boyfriend and I are going shopping for a chaise longue.

Ah, right.

Want to come with?

No, it's fine.

Have a great weekend, Winston.

Thanks, Cecil.

You too.

Cecil!

Nina?

Did you get my last postcard?

From Australia?

Not yet.

Oh.

So you don't know.

Martina, I need to apologize for what happened the other night.

I'm completely out of line.

I know you have a boyfriend, and I would hate to do anything to ruin our

friendship.

So you two will stay in the house.

We'll alternate.

Dad will live here one week and I'll live here one week.

No more going back and forth.

That makes a whole lot of sense.

Thank you.

judicial system for putting our needs first for a change since we weren't the

ones who made this mess in the first place.

Can I go back to my medieval castle?

The serfs are about to rebel.

Sure.

I'm trying to wrap my head around this nesting arrangement.

Me too.

But think that for another day.

We had more good times than bad.

Right?

We had great times.

We made some really fabulous kids together.

Maggie? Everything okay?

Lots to tell you.

First thing I want to hear is you get to see your grandkids again.

But I have to share the house with Frank, so I'll only be here 50 % of the

Oh, God, sorry.

Harry?

can't move them up