[ClingingToHope]

A lot of this has to do with the attorneys. In my W's case, we sat down a month ago and talked about an agreement -- even though I don't want this. She agreed to joint physical custody and I'd still give her child support, just at a lot lower level. She just needed to figure out something on the house.

Two weeks ago I get a petition -- hasn't been filed yet -- and she's seeking sole custody and the full child support.

Turns out her lawyer got to her.

I've tried to tell her that the lawyer has to do what she says, but she's got the lawyer and her bevy of divorced coworkers advising her to get every dime even though she makes $10k more a year than me.

I got a letter from my L saying her L is going to send him her "wish list."

And we'll go from there. At least I know I can handle money and I'll be OK. W never thinks more than a day ahead and if she made double what she does today she'd still be broke.

She had to borrow from her mom just for the retainer.