ms ladybug SQUISHED (3)

[cat03]

with that man I'd def go for a mediator (prices range, you must make sure they are experienced and that they assure you their paperwork will hold up in court). That's how mine went, in my state the LS is to sever all legal/financial ties, all that goes into it is admissible in court when/if one of the spouse files, so whatever you put down make sure it's the right thing, once it is signed and notarized you can't change it.
At the time you come up with a LS you must decide and split all assets, who gets what, the house/car/furniture/savings/401k, all has to be disclosed, debts, any property you two have acquired while married.
As far as the house you two must reach an agreement about who gets it and what the other gets in return if it is not sold.

So, CONSULT A LAWYER, you dont' need to retain one, I was able to get a one time consultation through the bar assn. from my county for 35$, the 2nd visit was full price but all in all I didnt pay much and it was SO worth it.. You must get one before a mediation or thinking of doing a legal sep. , only a L will tell you what you should get by law, what to look out for and what other things you aren't thinking of. Our LS was done with an impartial mediator because we both said we'd collaborate. After only 2 sessions we had it all down, each of us saw a L before it was signed (Ls look out for you and for loop holes/disadvantages).

The LS can be annulled if the couple decides not to file for D or stay married, so when you sign it it doesn't mean your are definetly heading for a D.

And, honestly, how many times is this man going to pull the "ILY, have you chosen a L already? jeez!!
I'm barely getting used to stbx taking the kids for 3 nights in a row (will happen soon). But if he is asking for 50% then he at least should take them one day to teach him that caring for children isn't as easy as he thinks. I think it is a blessing that at least the parents will help. The sad truth is, you might have to start getting used to the idea of not seeing the kids for some days. The other things is, he does'nt have to have them all 4 days if it is not convenient to you, for example, if those 4 days include weekends.