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Any advice for a divorce about to get nasty?

My wife wanted a Collaborative Divorce, I found out about 10 days ago and was against it until she had me removed from our house the following Thursday (last Thursday). Until she had me removed by lying to the police, I was begging her to go in for counseling. I've been a faithful husband, involved with the children (we have 2, 10 and 12), I coach their sports, go on field trips, help with homework and come home EVERY night for them. She has a job that keeps her away from home 6-10 days a month (2-3 days at a time). When I get home, the kids and I do whatever (play a game, watch TV, ride bikes in the summer), my wife sits on the couch and calls friends all evening. I don't drink, don't smoke or do drugs, am not violent, and haven't even been arrested for speeding in my life.

 

As I said, originally I was against divorce because I knew keeping the family together was best for the kids. We'd been to a marriage counselor for about 8 months until he refused to see us again...we found out WHY we are they way we are, but not how to stop our fighting...which is usually centered around the children. She came from an EXTREMELY strict family, where EVERYTHING was controlled from food to clothing. My family was laid back and believed that trust amongst each other was best. When I asked "Why?", I was given a reason. When she asked "Why?" she was punished for not obeying.

 

Anyway...we often clashed on conflict with the children and I would step in to clam the situation down with humor and rephrasing what was expected to be done, often supporting her, but not always (as some requests were downright weird - i.e. calling someone "grandma" that wasn't or sudden snaps from our "normal " routine for no explained reason or things like taking all the toys out of our children's room without explaining why).

 

Her rage with me has grown AFTER our counseling when I was told to "speak up" and express my feelings, something I always hid for the peace it gave. As I began speaking up, it was considered "negative" or "controlling" or simply being a dick...which I'm NOT!

 

Well, I retained an attorney yesterday, but she's lying to her attorney about my willingness to cooperate. My current attorney has made it clear she will NOT deal with litigation, as it ruins a family.

 

I've been threatened with restraining orders and injunctions by my wife...she plays the system very well once she knows what she can get away with (as exhibited by years of cheating her employer...within the rules)...we had discussed "nesting" so the kids didn't have to leave their home prior to her filling for divorce, but now I fear she's going to back out on that and try to get me removed. I couldn't care less about the house or vehicles or 401k's...my life is my children and she knows it. I've spent EVERY night but maybe 3 a year with them since they've been born. She knows that if she wants to hurt me (for whatever she thinks I did to her), all she needs to do is remove the children a bit from my life...and I know that's what she'll probably try.

 

I'm not evil, I don't think of ways to hurt people...but I can't help but wonder if the whole "collaborative" divorce wasn't a test? Now that I've agreed to it, she's even more enraged...and I fear she'll try to hurt me another way.

 

Last night I told her I was in NO hurry to split time with the children and would not seek to split time until it was necessary...she got a sick look on her face and told me I wouldn't be happy today (when I'm should receive my papers from her lawyer).

 

Any ideas what she has planned? I haven't slept in days. She claims it's "temporary" and it isn't an injunction or a restraining order...what else could it be? How do you deal with someone who is always changing the rules? Do I skip the collaborative divorce and seek a lawyer who will fight? What can I do to ensure I stay at home with our children? They're scared. I'm scared. She's a fine mother at times, even GREAT usually...but she's not right right now and I'm afraid her hate for me is greater than her love of our children.


by Nonymous   9 Posts 
Posted on 10/7/2008 2:06 PM
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Answers for "Any advice for a divorce about to get nasty?"  (4) (You must be logged in to answer)




I am currently involved in a collaborative divorce.  In my opinion, even for high conflict couples it can turn out better in the end for everyone (especially the kids).  If it turns out the you cannot come to an agreement, you have the right to get out of the negotiations and go to litigation.
In the collaborative process, you can bring in therapists, financial advisors, and others that can help the couple make the best choices for everyone. You usually split the costs for the extra people and their records are open to both parties.
I would say that for the best interest of the kids go for the collaborative process and see how it goes.  I know that sounds vague, but if the attorneys have been trained well and know the process they will be able to get you to an agreement.
I will keep you and your kids in my prayers. I hope that you all come out of this rough patch stronger than ever.
by marsham   24 Posts
Posted on 10/16/2008 7:14 PM
0





I had a friend in a similar situation. Nasty, vengeful wife during the divorce. They say, in criminal cases you see bad people acting good, and in divorce you see good people acting badly. Now what he did was buy a digital camcorder, and just video-taped or sound taped every interaction he had with his STBX. It ended up serving him well.
by epictetus13   5 Posts
Posted on 10/8/2008 11:21 PM
0





Good luck to ya. Looks like there is another physco ex on the loose.
On my profile there is  a parenting plan created by spaznskitz , a family law attorney on this site.  Print it off and read it . Sounds like you may want to use every word that is in it!
Seems like the control freaks are the craziest ones. They really don't like it when you tell them no or whatever....
I hope she will not be as bad as my bf's ex!
Keep us posted!
by mtnvly   2541 Posts
Posted on 10/7/2008 5:12 PM
1





I don't really understand collaborative divorce, so I'm no help there.

I think if she's lying to the police, the chances of anything being done amicably seem slim unless she's got someone (family member, friend, whatever) that can keep her calmed down, under control, and thinking at least halfway straight.

I think if she's serving you with demands or conditions that don't seem fair, and isn't willing to compromise on any of it, a "fighting tiger" attorney may just be your ticket.

My STBX said repeatedly for almost 6 months she wanted a divorce but "just didn't know how to get it". And we always said we'd do it amicably. When I finally gave up and said "we're done", she almost immediately turned into the most angry person you could imagine. Thank God she moved in with family and they're keeping her contained and somewhat reasonable.

Was what she said a test? Maybe, but if so, from my perspective, she was the one that flunked. I don't think it was, though. I think it was the reality of splitting up that finally hit her and she got angry about the situation. And, obviously, I was/am a convenient target for that anger. If we'd had kids in the house, I expect I'd be concerned about their proper care, just as you are, given her state of mind.

Hope someone who understands collaborative divorce can give you a better answer.

Take care, and best of luck getting through this unscathed.
by jhs   531 Posts
Posted on 10/7/2008 3:35 PM
1







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