Just got back from meeting with L. This is the second one I have seen. The first was several months ago and I wasn't really prepared with the questions that I wanted/needed answers to.
Anyway, I gave her some background and let her know how things are now. I told her I would like to save the M if possible. If not, I want the best for my kids. She said with the info I had, the possible witnesses and other things, she would suggest filing, serving her and going for custodial parent.(something like that) She said she could subpoena cell phone records and some other things that I didn't know.
She then asked if I wanted a D myself. I said I would like to save my M but my W, at this point, is not willing to do so. The L said she has seen several times when the spouse that doesn't want a D goes ahead and files the paperwork and asks for custody, no child support, wants to keep the marital home, etc., the other spouse will "see the error of their ways." Kind of like what you guys say on here. She also said, as Puppy has told me, not to discuss anything we talked about with her. Maybe give her a week or two to decide if this can be fixed, or I will be forced to file myself to protect me and the kids. She said to be sure I am ready to follow through, though. Again, things I have learned here. She also gave me the # of a local P.I. and a couple of MC she recommends.
She said that, right now, I hold all the cards. With the cell phone records and other witnesses, teachers, parents and others, we could prove at least an EA and that would be enough to get the ball rolling and to lean things my way. I realize she will paint the best picture she can for me but I do feel a little more confident today.
One more step towards doing what I need to do and should have done long ago.
I'm sure I will need continued support on my path towards whatever the future may hold. I am finally standing up for myself, my kids and what's right. With each fear I overcome, a feel of liberation and relief comes over me. I am still concerned, but not paralyzed by fear. That's a good feeling.
