I hope you are able to things resolved on the serving of the papers soon. Serving papers is tough.......
As far as the playground goes.....I remember having a very similar situation occur when my son was around two. I was in the midst of divorce, dealing with my AXH, waiting for my house to foreclose on me.....it was just a big pile of stress. I had words with some kids that were probably 7 or 8 who were standing up on a platform and my son was under them. They started to spit down at him. I was pretty harsh......and I'm not proud of my behavior or what I said to them......I understand. When we know better, we do better.
You'll be in my prayers today. Take care of you.
gentle hugs
ke