The material presented
here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method
to exchange
information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal
level.
And all in all, things generally went my way. You never go to court expecting everything to go your way...just never happens. By and large the judge sided with me, and my payments to my ex will increase a small amount, but nowhere near what he was asking for. Also, he is now resonsible for paying 1/3 of the girls' uncovered medical expenses, and the judge ordered that they receive orthodontic care in our state (instead of my ex's state...we are in different states but only live 60 miles apart...he had been pushing for them to get braces locally and have me pay for it all out of pocket. The judge called BS on that one).
The issue of me paying his attorneys' fees will be resolved at a later date. I am so glad to have this behind me. My prayers were answered...I prayed to remain as calm as possible (I did, in the face of some ridiculous words by my ex's attorney and the knowledge that tomorrow I say goodbye to my mother...only started to cry a little once), to make my arguments coherently (I did), and to accept the judge's decision with grace (I did!).
Thanks, everyone, for all the support. I'm glad to have this done and off my shoulders, and VERY glad that it generally went my way.
Sounds great Stephanie, and remember that your attitude/approach to all of this definitely played a factor as well..... Glad to hear that things went well...
Tom
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"He is either gonna drink, or he won't.... what are YOU gonna do?"
"What you think of me is none of my business"
"If you knew the answer to what you are worrying about, would it REALLY change anything?"
Stepping onto a brand-new path is difficult, but not more difficult than remaining in a situation, which is not nurturing to the whole woman.- Maya Angelo
I have nothing but compassion here. After 5 years of being drug into court, and I was awarded to pay CS to ex and pay attorney fees and I have the kids 60% - the stress is unbearable, there is just nothing I've ever found that reduced the anxiety and worry prior to going in. It's like setting your kids on a roulette table and hoping for a good outcome, that never feels good.
I know how hard court and ex's can be, but it sounds like you handled it all great! So happy that you are done with this for awhile. Sending you love and support!
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Sending you love and support on your journey always! BreakingFree
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" Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional."
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