I Was a Jerk (Part 1)

[Ready2Change]

I said I would need to think about that as we have no set plan moving forward yet.

Perfect.

She wants to tell them so she can then tell her family and basically get the word out that D is happening.

She wants to introduce her new man to her family, but she can't do that until you are divorced. I would bet money that she has a male "friend" at work. Several months after the D, she will claim she has met someone. We can discuss this more later.

W also wants to get moving on deciding who keeps the house and division of assets, and wants to mediate instead of lawyer up.

If she bring this up again, agree with her that mediation should be used for things that you can't agree about. If she pushes for quickness:

H:"W, obviously you have thought about this for a long time. I need time to process everything. I want this to go as smoothly as possible."

You should get legal advise ASAP. Draw up a list of questions. Call the top 3 D lawyers in your area and get a free consolation with each, but pay for them if needed. 1) this answers your questions. 2) Most likely prevents W from retaining them. Your W may be acting nice, but you know the other side of her.

Look up the legal definition of "pro se". Ask the lawyers if an email agreements between you and W are legally binding.

I told her I am not ready to do so at this time as I have to evaluate what is best for the kids and my own financial future and life.

Perfect.