it feels like it just gets really nasty from here on in
The sooner you stop feeling and start understanding the better in dealing with the situation. Yes, you will feel a lot of emotions but in dealing with DBing we are thinking and acting. The money is just a business deal. The kids you should expect at least 50/50 on time with them.
You didn't ask for this so you deal with it. How to get a grip on your emotions. - detach - compassion vs anger - validation - communicate better: really listen, make your message clear
"I am going out tonite. Let me know if you won't be home so I can arrange a sitter."
Yes, the lessons here have a very high price associated with them.
M22,H45,W45 S21/18D12 Retain faith that you will prevail in the end, regardless of the difficulties and at the same time confront the most brutal facts of your current reality, whatever they might be.