It’s getting nasty as I knew it would. I do not want to agree or participate in a new pattern for the children. I want to keep things normal as possible. What do I do? I think I have no choice but to contact my lawyer.
Contacting your L would be fine, its always advisable to understand the law and your options. Unfortunately at some point a new pattern with the kids schedule will happen, that's beyond your control. You cant force W to stay in the M. Its a horrible feeling knowing basically half the time you had with your kids is being taken away from you, with little you can do to stop it. The alternative is going for more/full custody but in many situations that hurts the kids also. They need both parents in their life even if its a split time.
1 week on/1 week off tends to be a common schedule that happens, there are other time splits also and you will have to talk with her and both of you agree to one or a court will for you. A good sign is shes not trying to force you into being the weekend dad, many assume they are more qualified to care for the kids and since your the dad you aren't, don't accept that crap.
Now I can understand reading the above probably sets you in a panic and I know the emotions you are experiencing. We read a bunch in DB that gives us hope things will work but, we tend to gloss over the reality of the situation. She is moving toward divorce and you have to accept that is a very likely possibility. I just wanted to tell you things are going to work out either way. Life will be drastically different, things may not be how you wanted or expected them, but a new normal will emerge at some point.
Accept what is, let go of what was, and have faith in what will be
