You say you can't afford a lawyer. I say you can't afford NOT to have a lawyer. A consultation should be minimally expensive, and will let you know what rights you have, especially with regard to custody and retrieving half of the money in the bank account.
Tell a lawyer THERE IS MONEY (so they know they'll get paid).
b/c she took all the jointly held funds. Get as much of that as you can. Legally she can have half, not all. She will have to repay you asap
unless you don't get a lawyer. Then she can do whatever she wants & keep whatever she has...
there's no point in trying to understand her reasons, because she's crazy. "It's all YOUR fault," crazy, and there's no talking sense into her.
you can wonder & wonder WHY/HOW this happened LATER
because right now you need to get your interests protected, which will lower your fears & helps the kids.
Also, when she cries, do not challenge her by saying "But this is what you wanted" b/c I'm sure she did not want tears.
And it sounds as if you are saying "I told you so." That only makes returning home, harder for her.
Give her something honorable to live up to, not criticism challenging her values as a parent.
LISTEN to see if she really gives you information. Be upbeat, calm and act as if you have had an awakening, which means you realize now that you are going to be fine, anyhow. As if you are "resigned to her choice, which you know means she is going to lose precious time with the people who love her the most, but which you will NOT lose...act as if - (do you know this phrase? It's in the book and around here. )
And Get a Lawyer Now, telling them that your w took all the money. You'll need a retainer (probably on a CC if need be)
and they may be able to get the money or your half, back sooner
OR spousal and child support from her sooner.
M: 57 H: 60 M: 35 yrs S30,D28,D19 H off to Alaska 2006 Recon 7/07- 8/08 *2016* X = "ALASKA 2.0" GROUND HOG DAY I File D 10/16 OW DIV 2/26/2018 X marries OW 5/2016
