Lawyers are suggested even with a mediator so you have another set of 'legal' eyes to make sure you're protected. Your wife's suggestion of you paying legal fees is one such thing. In most states there is a basic breakout.
Is it a mojo deal breaker if you write from the heart rather than the mind? That's presupposing on my part.. yet my mind wandered.. your posts are entertaining, even with downturns it ends with a smile.
Person,
