Your actions have done nothing but protect your interests. So, don't whimp out now --- this is just the first part of the negotiation, she's aiming high. Just decide that the kids leaving the country is non-negotiable. They don't go anywhere without the permission of both of you. Works both ways. Your money is not funding little soiree's to visit her OM. In fact, your offer should go lower than it was before. Only child support when they are with her, no spouse support. You have the children during the week, and every other weekend. If she is out of the country, the child support stops, since she will be living with someone else, one assumes.

I don't think your WAW ever 'left' OM. This has been one big game to get as much as she can from you so she can be with OM. Look how the OM acts --- he is in another country, and she is running after him. He will not come to her. She will even take her kids to him, if she can get away with it. There is your cue --- make her come to you. If you have any chance at all in getting your family back together, IMHO, it's going to be to be tougher than OM. Give her as little as you can possible, and get as much custody as you can. BTW, is the country where OM resides a 'safe' country, or one that has high crime, and unstable government? If so, these can all be pointed out to the mediator/legal counsel.

Did she make this statement in front of witnesses? Like the mediator? Anyway, now you know what her plan is, what her thoughts are. She has no idea what you are going to do. So, my advice would be to go to the extreme --- that is:
NC except with swopping children (and I would say get a third party for this, if possible),
all verbal (including this) and written negotiations by your WAW should be handed to your mediator and lawyer (although, she didn't really couch this in a negotiation tone, but more like a declaration),
note my idea above on what you should offer,
get legal separation and custody done as quickly as possible.

Your WAS has had this on her mind for a long, long time while you were flapping in the wind, trying to find a way to get her back. You have to understand, she is NOT coming back. She is gone. She has no intention of coming back (probably why she never comes into the house). Don't let her take everything you have worked for, your kids, and dignity, with her and hand it on a platter to OM. Time to suit up, and fight for your kids, if nothing else. In the meantime, continue with the GAL, stay calm, keep a positive attitude, be not submissive. I know how hard this must be for you, but think about your children now. You cannot be a wreck at a time like this. They need you more than ever now.

Sorry so long, but I feel you need to shake yourself out of your despondency and get to work. Take control, get tough, go dark and get a lawyer. Be done with her, so that you can move on.


Me:57 H:52 M:28 Got another lawyer last year and filed.
D35,S/D twins28,D22
EA4/04 End? Who knows?
"Life is like a mirror. Smile at it and it smiles back at you." — Peace Pilgrim