I hope everyone is hanging in there. It’s been several months since I posted. We were working out the details of the settlement agreement and had a mediation date scheduled by the court. About 48 hours to the mediation date, I got a call from my attorney stating that the opposing counsel and her client wanted to settle prior to the mediation.

Interestingly, the settlement agreement they were willing to sign was almost identical to what I originally offered about 6 months ago. I had offered 50:50 parenting/custody agreement. Equal division of marital assets and a generous spousal/child support. By the way, about 98% of the assets in question were from my sweat. Time with my kids was paramount and non negotiable for me. Fortunately I live in a state that presumes equal parenting rights. I wish her well primarily for the sake of my children. She is now a millionaire overnight. Hopefully she can manage her new found wealth and freedom. I’m very optimistic that with good health, life will be less stressful for me.

Going through divorce has been by far the most difficult thing I’ve ever experienced. I have also learned that being equally yoked is fundamental in marriage. For now, I’m trying to get used to my new found freedom. Having four teenagers is a handful. For now, I’m teaching my 17 yr old how to drive. The kids are adjusting but it has not been easy. Fortunately I got the primary residence and she got the second home. Her friends and social media influenced her very negatively leading to the death of our marriage. We had our marital issues but I never thought divorce was on the table until she filed. I would have easily looked past any differences we had to work things out but the discovery of an affair partner put a nail in the coffin.

This forum was extremely therapeutic in my darkest days. I wish everyone well. Anyone contemplating marriage after a divorce should think long and hard. Prenuptial agreements and irrevocable trust are tools available. Any assets I may have will be 100% for my children. I touched the hot stove and got burned. I don’t think I’ll touch it again. Cheers!