Got a problem..... Divorce!

[deerplanter]

One thing I would like to add, if your wife gets primary custody you can still have a clause put into the divorce decree stating that she can not move the children away. I had that my exe could not move my kids out of the school district, but this can go both ways.

[mikep453]

Didn't see anyone mention this so here goes. Get a women lawyer. They are mean and ruthless. You will be much better protected. IMO.

Find a women lawyer that specializes and practices only in divorce. Divorce is pocket change for most lawyers. Divorce cases are used to supplement their income. There is nothing more disheartening than being $6-8K in the hole with some clown who can't remember your name or what exactly he did on your case last week because he is so busy with other cases.

Be prepared to spend upwards of $10K on this lawyer. My divorce could have been done with $1200 (no children) but rapidly approached 10k. All on a credit card. Be prepared to have a limit and don't go over it if possible. Never tell your lawyer you don't care how much it cost.

Exchange what ever information you can via mail, then email, and phone. Limit face to face time with your lawyer as much as you can. When possible utilize the office staff. They only cost $75 an hour as opposed to $200.

Read all of the paper work they send to you. If you start to see items that have already been covered, question, question, question!

Her lawyer plays golf and or dines with your lawyer. They are in cahoots and out to milk you and your wife of every dime you have now and in the near future.

At some point you will have to say enough is enough. Get it over with right now.

Sorry for running long but I was on a roll. Sorry for your situation. It will get better. Please do not turn to the bottle, it will only make things worse for you in the end.

Charles

Very good post. I agree with the female lawyer.

[Scout]

I was awared custody of my son and there is no such thing as PLAYING NICE this is a battle NO MATTER WHAT SHE SAYS.

If you don't call, Fathers for Equal Rights you are making a huge mistake. I think I paid $100 for a year membership and they have free lawyers you can meet with as well as counselors. They have clerical people who can type up paperwork or court paperwork if you need it.

Good luck but this is the biggest fight you will ever be in and just like hunting your ex will sneak up on you if your not paying attention.

[mboltm]

Good luck. I too have been through this and I am still paying cs on my youngest son who has been living with me for 4 years,mainly due to not wanting more crap for my kids. I fought for custody tooth and nail because I thought it was best for my kids. I have raised my kids and hers, (step kids 1&2 when we married) I lived on nothing for a long time paying cs. I made it and you can too. Like everyone else has said make your top priority your kids. It will be best for you and them in the long run. Keep your faith in the right place and you will make it. Again good luck and I know yous won't be as bad as mine because there is only one devil!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Meatcutter]

Get a female atty. and don't sign or agree to anything. Let the atty's. do it.

[Texas Tracker]

When there is a dog fight you need a pit bull on your side spend the EXTRA MOMEY and get one!

[woody]

I think it is a good thing i am not getting divorced. I am not such a nice person. I might be tempted to spend the 600 bucks to have her put to sleep.
Aint love swell. Seriously, get your own lawyer, dont negotiate with hers. Good luck. Woody

[bowboy]

hey idk what to tell you but im sorry to hear your getting divorced my mom and step dad just did and it was pretty rough for all of us (my real dad died in a huntin accident)

[Blue Tick]

They base it on 25% of your monthly after taxes and medicare. They dont take into consideration your insurance and such. They can also make you provide insurance for the kids as well as an additional cost. I have been through this and am fighting again with mine. It's funny how they us kids as leverage and a money issue. If you have specific questions, maybe I can answer. Give me a call. 936-520-8841

Jeff

[Bluesman]

Times certainly change.
I paid $75/month for 1 child in 1973.

[tracker]

Didn't reall all the post but this might brighten your day. My best friend works with a guy in your exact same position. The guys X wife made more money and wanted the court to really now about it. She wanted the child to live with here and 50/50 on the custady. After it was all over it ended up where she pays him every month.

If she is making more than you let her put it out there and never deny that she does, it could work in your favor and you get to see your kids like you would want to.

[Muygrande]

I am an attorney in Ft. Worth. I don't handle family law cases but I can give you a few referrals in Tarrant county for really good lawyers that will do what is best for you and your kids. You need somebody that can try and get it done as fast and amicably as possible but that can be a "pit bull" if the play calls for it. You usually get what you pay for but some of the specialized divorce firms can be a little too eager to fight over every issue in my opinion. email me anytime.