My ex has put me in a position where I can only defend myself in one of the three courts we are fighting in. Only one court matters, as it's the one that'll allow me to make my payments (hopefully) and let my kids have an okay life with her. It sucks, but I'm beginning to say goodbye in my head to the children. I haven't seen them in three months, and every indication is she will do anything she can to extend that out at least until mid 2027. I can only destroy myself inside fighting for so long and even my parents are starting to give up on the kids. She's turned them too. They don't ask about dad anymore, and only talk to my parents to buy things or do activities their mom doesn't want to with them.

So, goodbye children. I'll try one more thing, but if your mom says that's still not possible, I won't be your father on three hours a week at a place of her choosing. I did things I regret in my marriage, but as your mom says, she's being a good parent by taking me completely out of your lives (her words.) It'll be better to not see me until your older and I'll move on.