WR, Please don't hold your breath on the money. The only way that I see you getting it is when his lawyer starts putting the pressure on him thru the court system.
Please try not to get yourself back into the middle of his drama. You've got a lot going on and I would really love to see you and your sons enjoy the holidays.
Sit quietly, the answers will reveal themselves when you least expect them to. The past is gone, the present is a gift and you need to focus on today, allow the future to reveal itself when it is ready.
