Catfan,

Dom R's logic is pretty tight on this. Counseling and separation agreements are two separate things, keep them that way. If you don't want a separation, then don't work on the agreement. Once that's done there is absolutely no going back. Keep that in mind. You have to let the counseling play it's part and fight to keep all talk of the agreement separate from that. Personally, I'd make up a counseling agreement as well if you're going to continue to go that route, specify the length of the counseling period and indemnity for failure to comply (heck, link it to specific clauses in the separation agreement). See how it goes? The minute you sign this she'll probably drop out, or close thereafter. She's holding this over your head to get counseling done but I seriously doubt she's in it for more than your signature on the dotted line then "everything will work out". For her, that is.

Think this through and see what advice you would give yourself. Would you really recommend that you sign this agreement or even work on it as a prerequisite for counseling? I wouldn't, and I don't.

NH


Me - 47
Her - 46
4 kids, 2 still at home