What is difficult here is getting the other side of the story for good reason. There are always two sides to the story.
As for your final question, it might not be a bad idea to see an attorney before doing anything. They know if there is anything that can backfire on you. I don't know that you have to do so, but it can't hurt. And I have found that they actually understand the emotional part well to. My BIL is an attorney and tells funny stories of people spending every red penny they have to get back at each other and then reconciling. This love stuff can be kookie.
