Ex-husband files emergency custody motion and scams me with fake wedding planner

I’m in California, and my ex-husband Victor filed an emergency custody motion last week claiming I’m emotionally unstable and planning to flee the state with our son Leo. He’s given me the silent treatment for three weeks now—won’t answer texts about school pickup, won’t return calls about Leo’s medication. I’m honestly exhausted and scared he’s trying to make me look like the bad parent in court.

Then yesterday I learned that the wedding planner I hired, a woman named Dana who Victor specifically recommended, has disappeared with my $15,000 deposit. I checked my bank—she cleaned out the account I set aside for the wedding. I filed a police report, and Detective Chen called me back this afternoon saying she found evidence that Dana and Victor have been in contact for months. It looks like Victor set this up to drain my savings and make me look irresponsible in the custody case.

Detective Chen also told me that Victor’s lawyer is planning to bring up a comment Leo made to his teacher: “Daddy says Mommy is crazy and doesn’t love me anymore.” That’s going to be Exhibit A for Victor’s claim that I’m unstable. On top of that, Victor tried to get a restraining order against me yesterday, alleging I’ve been harassing him by calling his office and leaving messages about Leo’s schedule. I haven’t done anything except try to coordinate parenting time.

Today, Detective Chen arrested Dana for fraud and said she’s cooperating—Victor’s name is all over the scam. The judge in the custody case ordered a full evaluation of both of us and warned Victor against further manipulation, but the damage is done. Leo’s school called me worried because Victor tried to have him removed, claiming I was planning to relocate. I’m terrified this is going to blow up in my face even though I’ve done nothing wrong.

What are my rights here? Can I use the criminal evidence against Victor in family court? Should I get a lawyer for the custody evaluation, and how do I stop him from using my fiancé Mark’s old DUI against me?