As mediation approaches, I'm aware of what absurd claims are being made by STBX and her lawyer. By absurd I mean, 10x of what is a reasonable assessment of what they'd want from me. Custody is pretty hammered out and is fair but as far as them walking into that room with this outlandish claim, I don't know how I'm supposed to react.

I'm fairly certain that most of what they assert as compensation is never going to happen if it gets arbitrated by any reasonable person looking at the financial analysis. The thing is, I know her lawyer knows this and she (STBX) most likely is being misled.

In negotiating, the term 'anchoring' is like putting the ball at the -150 yard line and making the other person work to get it back to the 50. This is one thing I believe is happening along with her lawyer taking her for a ride.

I understand that in mediation it's not about what's fair so if we walk in there and they state this nonsense and are only willing to walk back to something that still screws me over (as far as what is legitimately owed) then this process is over before it starts. If that's the case, then are we just destined to see a judge (or arbitrator) to get this resolved in a somewhat fair manner? Any strategy advice would be appreciated.

I feel like I’m standing here waiting to get hit by a bus.