children are such a precious little thing.<BR>I read all these postings and at times like these it is certainly hard to remember that children are easily influenced and need more support during these times.<P>If anyone needs our prayers and thoughts it would diffently be them.<P>I feel sorry for everything my daughter has gone through and i would change it in a heart beat if i could. but the sad cruel fact is that she had a very ruff year and it has affected her personality.<P>I oly hope as her mother i was able to guide her and that i explained things approiately when she asked me. I tried never to volunteer information.<P>As we all know there is a time and place for everything. Children have it hard enough just growing up. They do not need adult trash to mix up their imprecious lives.<BR>So all i am asking is that if your going through court try to keep it simple and clean<P>I didn't experience court myself but it was difficult all the same. Now that my ex and i spend time togteher we both regret certain experiences and wish we would of kept the lawyers out of the mix as well. They make you fought and seem to keep you angry.<P>Good luck to everyone.<P>Chins up!!!<BR>

.<p>[This message has been edited by Trapped Mom (edited March 21, 2001).]

We are using mediation, I am not using money as a weapon, she gets 50% without question.<BR>I get 6 days out of 14, and still coach my s in soccer, and watch d at all her games.<P>We are keeping it friendly, as it will only help the kids. Even though STBX wants to date, she is so mentally wacky, I suspect that when I get my own house, at least<BR>my s will want to stay there more than with her. It will be where his friends live, where now he has none.<P>It also helps that we don't have anything but cash to divide. And I have taken the lead in negotiations and some good advice on a good mediator who is very fair, and slightly partial to men's issues.<P>I work with lawyers and have been in discussions supporting buying and selling companies. negotiations for kids are just a<BR>little different, and the help here was invaluable.<P>gotta do your research and believe in yourself.<P>thl<BR>