Ran out of time.. accidentally hit 'Submit' rather than 'Preview'.
Hey FL..
You showed flexibility and the girls are able to use the car. Your divorcing spouse showed flexibility by limiting it to one night. Next time a need to compromise comes up, I'd ask for the girls to be able to use the Jeep freely when it comes to visiting you. Additionally it's imperative that you and their mother can set up appropriate channels of communication so that the kids don't get caught in the middle.
Why she didn't take the girls with her is an open question. But as far as I can tell your son has been the one who's been the most open, honest and caring through the ordeal and the divorce. And you reacted like a Dad. And in a screwy way, your son tried to deal with you directly when given the answer by his mom that she couldn't take him and have the girls at home at the same time. He communicated directly with you. And that's going to be the future with him.
Your divorcing wife will not be able to derail the Special Masters. The Special Masters will review the financial statements and give their decision. You'll each go in individually to hear it.. and either agree or disagree with what's offered. Bring the most unbiased person along whose opinion you trust (not necessarily your girlfriend). Although that person will not be allowed in with you to the Special Masters, you can ask to go outside to have time to think after you hear the proposal. Discuss it with the person you trust and then go back in to say if you agree or not. If either party disagrees or shows hesitation, the lawyers will usually put something out to sweeten the deal. If not, you go to trial and they really don't want to go to trial.
And FL.. it's great that you have an incredible relationship with your girlfriend. Remember that you're also going through an ordeal which involves huge emotions.. yours, your divorcing spouse's and your kids. It's hard to think clearly. This is a traumatic time for all, especially your children. Not only is their family destroyed but their parents are at each other's throats. What does that teach them about conflict resolution? Decisions you make and agree to will be with you for the rest of your life. Be there for your kids. You and your kids are a package deal.
One last thing.. Who are you more concerned about saying "Fu...it?" Your girlfriend, or you? And where does that leave the kids?
