Meeting with an attorney is always a good thing, especially when it comes to knowing your legal rights as well as that of your spouse's. I figure if you promised something, like the 'allowance' you keep your word. Many time great rejoinders or things said in spite come back to bite you in the ass. Only poke the bear if needed.
What you want to happen versus what's the norm can be two different stories. Having a log of her visitations and interactions is a great factual piece of evidence which no one can argue.
This will be a huge smack in the face for her. Maintain your integrity, let the lawyer do his/her job and look at the big picture. No one wins in divorce. The trick is not to lose everything over something so emotionally and financially devastating.
And know the progression.. mediation, mediation with a lawyer to suggest and review the settlement, collaborative law where the lawyers try to negotiate the settlement and trial. Each step on the rung is increasingly expensive. The sooner the divorce is completed, the better. Less opportunity to lose all your money and best bet to have a better post divorce interaction.
Merry Leftover Christmas.. and a Happy New Year of new beginnings.
