I had my L prepare all the paperwork for filing/protective restraining order while I was on vacation with the kids in Mexico so that I could sign it after coming back and get the ball rolling. I did give the wife a heads up the night before we left. She was none to happy about it.
Sounds like you have a good firm attitude about how to deal with your STBXH. He is a cake eater and wants everything to go his way. It will not.