I’m going through the early stages of divorce now. My wife and I sat down last night for the first time to discuss custody, parenting time, coparenting, splitting assets, etc. Our Friend of the Court (FoC) date isn’t until March. Our first court date isn’t until May.

Up to this point things had been relatively civil. I asked for the divorce and she has sad days and angry days and everywhere in between. I understand but I choose to not say much to her because I never know what type of mood she’s in. Last night did not go well. We had talked maybe 2-3 weeks ago and she said something about never taking the kids from me and being good with 50/50.

Last night we talk about some simple coparenting things and custody/parenting time was the next topic. She pulls out a schedule for 70/30. I wasn’t expecting it at all. I handed it back to her and said I’d never consider agreeing to it. I spent the rest of the evening researching the judge who has our case, reading up on the appropriate laws and Friend of the Court policies, etc.

For reference, I’m in Michigan and this is the FoC parenting time site: https://www.oakgov.com/courts/foc/Pages/info_pub/parenttme.aspx

I’d love my kids 100% if the time, but that doesn’t happen. I want them to have a relationship with me as much as her which is why I want 50/50. Researching what I have I can’t see a judge siding with 70/30 without any reason. According to the FoC site I meet all of the basic criteria. There’s no history of drugs, alcohol, abuse, etc whatsoever on either of our sides. We’re incredibly boring and average people.

I’m not asking what anyone thinks will happen. I know nobody knows. I’m more just venting. I just didn’t see this coming. I thought we’d be fighting about finances and I was prepared to give up whatever I had to to keep things as good as I could. Now, if we get there before court, I’m not sure I’d be so giving with any of it.