Letting Go Part VI

[DJin]

I think you have a huge advantage right now being the only party represented by counsel. She may suggest something she's willing to sign....a visitation agreement or a division of assets agreement....and it might end up having legal ramifications she is unaware of.

For instance, I believe you said at one point that she offered to give you all the property of the marriage if you gave her custody of the kids. I wouldn't recommend that, but it shows how little she comprehends the legal end of this. Once property division is decided on and signed, it's VERY hard to get that overturned later. However, custody and visitation is ALWAYS negotiable and can go back to court again and again. So, theoretically, you could get all the property and the go back to court for joint custody of the kids and win it and take advantage of her lack of knowledge of the law.

Again, I wouldn't recommend that approach, but it's an example of how you are benefitted right now by being able to check things with your lawyer who knows the local courts and local judges and what their habits are on decisions and she does not. It's a huge legal advantage. You will mediate and negotiate from a position of much greater background information than she has.