At the first hearing, we submitted years of financial records showing exactly how much I had contributed. The total was far higher than even I expected.

We also provided text messages where my father thanked me for “helping out” during difficult months. Not one message mentioned a legal agreement.

During her deposition, Mallory admitted she created the budget spreadsheet because she believed my income should benefit her household.

When the judge asked why I should be financially responsible for grown adults, nobody at their table had an answer-