Long and Bumpy Road #3

[Startingover2]

You guys are great. Thank you.

My L appointment went so much better than I thought. I feel so much more at ease knowing I have more rights than I thought.

Basically this:

--He is entitled to 5-15 hours per week at my house until she is a year old. No forced separation from me. This was a big concern for me. I didn't want him taking her especially if there are alcohol issues. I can give him more time if I choose but those are the guidelines.

--One year to two years he can recieve more time and even take her for a few hours during the day, but the judges dont advocate overnights until she is between 2 and 3 years old.

--We talked about the guidelines for child support. He will not be happy with that at all and probably will be the biggest source of contention. It is rather high, but that is the way it is and I will need the $$.

--When she is old enough to go with him I can petition that he not drink for 24 hours prior and during visitation. I can also request alcohol and drug tests if needed. That time will be a minimum of a year away from now so I am not concerned too much yet. I think he will hang himself in that regard and hopefully get a dui anyway so it won't be an issue.

--I don't have to give her his last name. What I name her is purely my decision. I haven't decided that one yet and probably won't until she is born.

I had my C session today as well. We both agreed that because H is cycling so much and up and down and is drinking and unpredictable that it would be best for me to treat him like I did when we were getting our D. No contact. Only about baby right now. I can't mentally take the rollercoaster and the cake eating. I have 9 (or less) weeks left. I need to focus my mind on giving birth and the end of this pregnancy. He can spin out of control somewhere else.