Sounds like you did the right thing Michka. I, like others on here, am concerned about your H verbally threatening your life as well as the addictive behaviour. As much of an A$$hole as my XH was, he never, ever threatened my life nor would he. That’s a whole other level of messed up that you need to pay attention to. It is good you have met with your lawyer and he thinks you will be okay financially. That is something LBS can really struggle with if finances are a concern. It was definitely a blessing in my sitch that I was okay too. Also, give your H’s state of mind and his gambling issue, the sooner you separate your finances from his, the better - regardless of whether or not you want to reconcile.
Also agree with everyone’s advice about what to tell your kids. Daddy and Mommy are going through a hard time but we both love you very much, is all they need to know. My kids are 13 and starting to remember things from their perspective (being introduced to random women) and forming their own opinions. If they ask me something, I answer as honestly as I can without giving them more information than they need. At the end of the day, they love their dad and I am grateful for that. Kids need to feel free to love both their parents. If they don’t, it really messes with their emotions. In this situation, forgiveness isn’t just a gift you give to yourself, it is also a gift you give to your children.
Keep posting and coming here for support. I’ve been here for two and a half years and it has helped me immensely...even when people were telling me things I didn’t necessarily want to hear. (((HUGS)))
