Where do...I...go from here?

[tpaschal]

Hi T,
I think what Sg means is that you should treat him as if he is not in a crisis. Treat him as you would a "friend". If he says weird things or tries to bait you just let it roll off your shoulders...bite your tongue until you can vent here.

I have followed that advice on many occasions and I think my tongue bled a few times! However, I did not talk about every little thing to H, I picked my battles, usually when it came to the kids well being.

When you find a new L, get a contract in writing about your financial obligations. I am not sure how things work in your state, but here many L's accept reasonable payment plans. May be something to look into.

Mom,

I am trying to bite my tongue and act "as if" most of the time!

As for the L, my L gave me the big song and dance routine that he would give me back in cash whatever was left over of my retainer fee. Ha! Maybe he should have mentioned up front that he would zip through that $10K retainer fee in a heartbeat, and wanted to use an evaluator and an accountant who also wanted $10K retainer fees---EACH! L also told me when I counterfiled that H would most likely be made responsible for all or the majority of the legal fees, and that whatever was left due would come out of my settlement. Then L decided to change the rules in the middle of the game. Jerk. I think I'm better off without him.

Thanks for checking in on me. Hope all is well with you and your family, and that you had a very nice Mother's Day. :-)