After being divorced for almost a year, my X and I, are going back to mediation. I'm hopeful that when things are layed out in black and white that the "fog" will lift long enough for us to be able to make some joint agreement. If not, then this is just a step in heading towards WW III in the court system.<p>Here are the items we are discussing:<p>1. School - Where the children will attend next year. My town or her "new town", since she moved again.<p>2. Transporation - Didn't think this was going to be an issue but since the D, I've driven around 12,500 miles for the children to her 1,400.<p>3. Holiday Schedule - Didn't give this enough thought the first time through and would like to fine tune it.<p>4. Parenting Plan - Currently we are at 42/58 and I'd like to see it closer to 50/50.<p>5. Child Support - I agreed outside of court to probably 75% more than I should be paying. With the transportation issues and everything else, I'd like to get it down closer to the state guideline.<p>Thanks to all of you who've helped me along the way and please keep myself, my X, and my children in your prayers.<p>[ June 12, 2002: Message edited by: LostHusband ]</p>

Good luck, Bill. I've got to bring up some things myself soon. Not looking forward to it, as you can imagine.<p>Your girls are lucky, ya know?

Bill,<p>Good Luck with mediation tomorrow. As always, I will be keeping your family in my daily prayers.<p>You deserve the best my friend.<p>Hugs & Prayers from So. Cal.<p>Michele

Good luck, Bill. I can see mediation in my future too.

Thank you ladies,<p>Today is the day at 1:00pm. I'm actually more nervous about today than I was about the divorce. If we can't agree then the cost of going to court is going to kill me but I always have and always will "do the right thing".<p>On a side note, Official Day 11 of the shack-up, last night oldest daughter jumps in the car and starts going off on her mom and OM. I told her that there wasn't a lot that I could do but encouraged her to write her mom a letter. She said that her mom wouldn't read it, to which I replied, she won't have a choice because I'll bring it to mediation. The other two girls and I went for a walk and left the OD at home to write. She tried to get me to read it last night but I told her that it was none of my business. I made copies of it this morning for mediation and her counsellor and it is just sad. <p>Thank you for your support and keep us in your prayers.

(((((Bill & Girls)))))<p>"I always have and always will "do the right thing" Which is why you are doing what you are doing today for your girls. Be strong!!!! <p>"Official Day 11 of the shack-up".....grrrrrr, this just steams me! I would like to hear how this plays out today! Look at the affect this living situation has with your oldest in only 11 days! GRRRR!<p>You are in my thoughts and prayers! Let us know how it goes! <p>Gayle

Been wondering where you were! Hope all goes well and in your favor.

Bill, where are you? How did it go yesterday?

Again, thank you all for your prayers, unfortunately her heart wasn't softened enough to see through the fog.<p>We agreed on:<p>1. Modifying Parenting Plan
2. Holiday Schedule
3. Added Right of 1st Refusal prior to child care<p>We did not agree on:<p>1. School - I had a letter from the counsellor stating the kids wishes as well as her professional opinion.
2. Child Support - We ran out of time
3. Transportation - Really can't be addressed until the school issue is resolved.<p>So basically we are going to end up back in court. I was feeling pretty down about it yesterday and then I talked with my attourney today and I've got to pay 2,000 down prior to filing. So now I'm REALLY down. I don't know what the heck I'm gonna do. So I'm just letting everything kind of soak in at this point.

Sorry you didn't get it all in. Can you go back for more mediation rather than court to attempt to resolve some of the remaining issues? Then you could possibly go to court for fewer matters.<p>(((((((((((((((BILL)))))))))))))))

In theory, we can continue to mediate but the X has stated that her mind is totally closed on the school matter PERIOD.......<p>Actually, I've still got one trick up my sleeve.

Actually, I've still got one trick up my sleeve. <p>I hope so (((((Bill)))))! You are between a rock and a hard spot... don't let the $'s stand in your way. Yah, easy for me to say but dad gum it doing what is best for your girls shouldn't have to be this hard!<p>I'm thinking of ya!<p>Gayle