Trying LRT - Please Help!

[motherof3]

Thanks for the new perspective Flow. You have given me something to think about.

From H’s point of view, he doesn’t think this separation or D will ultimately affect the kids in the long run. From the beginning he has always stated that they will be okay. He also believes that moving to a new house/apartment and changing schools will not be a big deal either. Kids are resilient he says. Whatever! They may be resilient, but that doesn’t mean they won’t be affected.

Mind – In my state, child support and alimony payments are calculated based on a formula setup by the courts. It is what it is and every attorney would field the same results. This is the third L I have spoken to and all of them have provided me with the same basic info.

The meeting with the L today was very informative and she confirmed everything that I suspected. She did some number crunching for me. Since we would be splitting the time/cost with the kids 50/50 the most I would receive for child support would be $6/month. Yes, six stinking dollars. It is possible that I would also be eligible for $300/month for up to 3 years in alimony.

I liked the L and will probably retain her when the time comes. For right now, here are the options as I see it.

A.) Do nothing and wait for H to make a move. Financially it would make sense for me to wait as right now H is paying me $500/month for household expenses. Is it possible for a LBS to cake-eat? Back in mid-December he mentioned mediation as a cheaper way to D and that he would like to take this route. I would like to interview the mediator prior to setting up a meeting but I haven’t heard back from H. I am guessing his lack of response is due to the holidays and his work travel schedule as of late.

B.) File a petition for D.

I am leaning towards option A for right now. At least until I can get the paper work put together. Then, I don’t know…