You are refusing to communicate with him at all except by writing? I mean that is your choice but eventually you will have to talk to him. Punishing him for filing for divorce in the exact way you thought was “courteous” is not exactly doing what you claim to value (mutually resolving issues). I think it’s fine to take some space and prudent to defer any discussion of legal details right now. But you actually have to start creating a record of being able to effectively coparent and make joint decisions - if not that could come back to bite you. Give yourself a few days/week to feel like you can face him, but eventually you are going to have to talk. |
He is too unpredictable to communicate with verbally right now. Perhaps I can handle that in the future but right now I need everything in writing. After he announced by email that he was filing he came over two mornings after and woke DS up in the morning and spontaneously told DS that we were going to live separately. DS was like, I don’t understand? And then DH hemmed and hawed and said *I* asked him for a divorce, and then changed it again said it was our choice to get a divorce. I heard what was going on (just him coming in and DS shouting) from the backyard where I was watering and ran upstairs. DS told me the rest after I asked DH to leave because he was making DS extremely upset. Then DH threatened me as he walked out the door. Anyway. It was chaotic and horrible. DS is doing as well as could be expected. Therapist appointment today. Another attorney consult today. |
It’s fine to only communicate in writing. If this goes to trial, you will be happy you did. But send any offers about custody or money through the attorneys, marked for settlement purposes. |
They have a kid, you clownass. Courtesy is always a relevant concept, unless you're a total shitheel. |
This. My separation agreement not only states that all communication between the parties is to be in writing (email), but specifies when those emails are to be sent (to coordinate visitation logistics, 48 hours prior to visit) because my ex was the sort of total gobshite who would use any access to me, or to his own children, to harass and abuse me. I'm sorry you're going through this, and you'll be SO much happier when the dust settles. Hang in there! |
I’m not picking you apart for sport. But I’ve been in an abusive situation and receiving an email you seemed to be in denial about (even though living separately from your spouse) is not abuse. Be very careful if you’re discussing safety plans etc for a child with the child. This is alienation 101. How old is your child, OP? You mentioned sports teams and school and stuff but I don’t think their age. |
I’m sure she has a lot of things to be angry about justifiably but it actually is going to be very important that she remains clear headed about the legal process. The legal process (which had to be involved at some point) is what it is - take as many feelings out as possible. |
+1. I’m not even sure why you would discuss a “safety plan” with a child in these circumstances. Fine if OP thinks she needs one but no need to tell kid about it (sounds like this is a younger kid). |
Personally I would take half of whatever cash there was in any joint accounts and open a separate account in my name only, to preserve my access to it.
OP, write every email and text message as if a divorce judge is reading it over your shoulder. Use a calm, mature tone. Sound reasonable. |
Shut up and FO. |
The part of the plan that DS needs to know is where he needs to go if I’m not home and something happens or if I say go now and can’t go too. I talked about it in a very calm, age appropriate way and assured them that by planning it we won’t need it and it’s good to have emergency plans for fires or break-ins anyway. DS needs to know which house to run to and who will be home when after the threats DH made the day he came to talk to DS. DS is a young middle schooler so safe to leave the house on their own and get to another person’s house. |
The email was not abuse and I didn’t say it was. |
Your husband is living separately u think this is why the notion of a “get out” safely plan is confusing some of us.
Your husband already got out. Change the locks. How old is your child? That impacts my advice |
What part did you object so strongly, to cause you use that kind of language? |
You’re spitting angry because it wasn’t “courteous”. You just moved out of state for him. You don’t work. It very much sounded like you wanted to stay married/work it out until he filed, now it sounds like he’s retroactively abusive. You should be relieved he’s moved out and filed, and clearly earns a lot of a big press release is forthcoming. You’re free from an abuser- you should be happy. Or else: you thought you were working it out you wanted it to work out and he doesn’t: well then I get why you’d be so angry and hurt and feeling so defensive talking about dodging service and whatnot. |