my story

[hope567]

One obstacle, among many, that I have is the enabling of her leaving by her family. They bought her a big house with a pool - enough bedrooms for OM kids to each have a bedroom. It's a foreclosure and I don't know exactly how it was financed (she's not working) but her family has provided some financial support and manual labor towards house, and emotional support. (Side note - her parents are divorced, and I now understand a bit of the competitiveness among parents to be sure kids have a good time when they are with you. Probably contributes to their support, both financially and emotionally.) I get that they want to provide some level of support but a 5 bedroom house with a pool?? That is enabling. I don't know all the financial arrangements among them but it certainly didn't make her feel consequences of her actions - something.g we try to teach our young kids! This is such an uphill battle.

Also, I'm ready to try last ditch efforts. She has filed, mediation is scheduled next month, day with judge scheduled, and no sign of backing down on her part. Tomorrow we meet with our marriage counselor. She recently gave me 50/50 for June and for tomorrow I'm supposed to respond to her request for more alimony. I don't have extra money to give and she knows that. I may have to move to a smaller house even under the current arrangement. I'm kind of terrified that tomorrow's discussions will lead to her being frustrated, reducing the recent 50/50 arrangement, and taking this to the judge and mediation, which her family will bankroll. And I do.t like my chances of keeping 50/50 with a judge; not sure what judge would do re alimony but that could very well go in her favor also. Legal system is unpredictable I have learned.

Any thoughts / advice appreciated on any of these topics. Thanks!