Woosh goes the roller coaster again.<P>My stbx is now stating that he is going to fight me on custody. Our current arrangement (which he signed and is on file as a proposed parenting plan with the court) is for every other weekend, two 3 hour visits after school during each week and 1/2 the summer.<P>He has had a girlfriend/ow since he moved out and has told my kids (age 10 & 14) that she will be with them on visitations very soon - we had an agreement of no new relationships around the kids until after the divorce is final - he has broken this twice.<P>My youngest has expressed to her counselor that dad breaks promises and puts girlfriend ahead of her. She doesn't like being "split" between two houses and feels like she doesn't belong anywhere.<P>My oldest just doesn't want our divorce to impact his life/time with friends.<P>Both children have said to me they are comfortable with our current setup as far as the amount of time they see each parent. Any time they express anything favorable toward me, he accuses me of brainwashing them or trying to turn them against him.<P>My stbx wants exactly 50/50 time (and is probably willing to cut the kids in half in order to get it). I believe this is primarily driven by his desire to not pay child support - it's hard to wine and dine the new chick when you have to pay child support on top of your new house and brand new truck.<P>For those of you who have been through this custody battle thing...what can I expect? How do I protect my kids from this battle that's about to be waged? Help????<P>Lisa

I haven't been there personally but know others who have anyway chances are that he is just trying to intimidate you and you are right his motives are probably financial. Don't argue don't discuss it with him just tell him that the lawyers will handle it.<P>Chances he will back off when he knows you will not let him intimidate you. Also a custody battle will be very expensive that will probably dampen his enthusiasm quite a bit. Talk to your lawyer about it so you can be prepared for whatever happens.<p>[This message has been edited by TMD (edited January 31, 2001).]

My attorney said that generally, the courts do not grant 50/50, so if you don't agree, and make the court decide, you will probably get your wish. However, there are many ways of arranging it, and don't limit your imagination. <P>One other point, PSA cannot be changed in the future, anything else can be. So increase the PSA in your favor, give him slightly more PT, and if the kids show any signs of going down hill, fight to change the PP, with proof that it wasn't in the childs best interest, ie grades going down, etc.<P>good luck, and keep the imagination active!<P>tom<BR>