when it comes to financial / legal settlements stbx is all business, so I wonder if your H is being distant as to not mix financial and emotional situations, and is afraid any interaction from you might be manipulative to get your way? or perhaps he is po'd at having to go to court and thus is keeping his distance?
If I may ask, what are the reasons you are going to court?
Be not afraid...I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten Joel2
30something 2kids survivor of S, MLC, A, D I have peace in my heart, at last.
I went a very long time without speaking to my STBX, and during that time if he HAD to speak to me about something it was ALWAYS an argument. Wether there was a point to argue or not. It was awful and I did/do miss him as a person.
I can't speak for your sitch, as I don't know your H, but I think it was best for me to leave STBX be. He came around in his own time in being civil to me again.
We don't really ever TALK about anything anymore. It is all about the kids or the D. But it is nice not to be yelled at.
The silence is miserable but somewhat peaceful. I learned to live with it. But in my case STBX is across the country and I don't have to see him on any kind of regular basis. I can see where it would be more difficult since you do.
I'm sorry I'm not more help. Just try to focus on you and D7. I know it's hard but I don't know what else to do.
As for the settlement, do whatever you need to do to be financially secure. If it means fighting him over the $300, if it's worth it do it. I negotiated with my STBX, we agreed to everything then when he talked to his L he changed his mind and we ended up going back and forth. Finally, he gave some and so did I.
How do you think he would respond to an invitation to talk? You can always ask, but I'd only do it once and then (if the answer is no) let it lay for awhile. If the answer is yes, play it by ear.
I agree with Shades about the $300. If it's worth it, do it if not....that's up to you to decide. One thing I would ask you to keep in mind though, if he never comes home, what kind of settlement would you feel good about? This doesn't mean taking him for everything, but if the future kiki could talk to you now, what would she way she wished she'd done about the settlement? I know this may sound wierd, but sometimes it helps me to step outside myself and look at what I'm doing and why.