Filing response strategies

[a dad]

In response to STBX filing for 50/50 joint/joint but with her new rental, ~1yr there at 50% w/ kids, as their primary residence (and her emailed request for her being the main contact for medical and educational issues), is there wisdom in counter filing/responding for more that 50/50 in order to mediate to 50/50 w/ both as primary residence (use the difference in custody as a tool in mediation)? Or could that tick her off turning the whole issue of custody into a battle? Other mediation tips and tricks?

Also, attorney suggested I could go for more that 50/50.

[Fatheroffour]

If mom is agreeable to 50/50 and she doesn't have severe documentable issues then you should think long and hard before starting WWIII.

[a dad]

Agreed. Thus the post rather than action.

I did not think my attorney would suggest more than 50/50 so I've been contemplating this action since he said that.

When I said I was weary of going for more time, it was an understatement.

[a dad]

Thanks caps, that's kinda the approach I was looking at for 50/50. The court mandated mediation is scheduled for Monday 8/6. If that doesn't work I will suggest outside mediation to STBX.

[Chosen2Dad]

Stick with the 50/50...you're happy...she's happy as she will be..but you could start more issues long-term going for more than 50/50 depending on your wife.

Plus: the lawyer wants to get paid...so you bite..it's more money...and remember to do what's best for the kids. Not what you want or she wants...logically best for them..

[a dad]

I agree. I know it's my call. The updating info for all schools, therapists, doctors (near and far) is what I have been doing. The custody is kinda confusing. Basically I've had S9 90% in march to 60% now. D5 x2 close to 50%.

[a dad]

Lets say 50/50 joint/joint agreed by both parties. I would like to avoid WWIII. Is RO on OM in filing response unwise? My children's safety is important, but there may be other (more combative, less legal) methods of keeping them safe.

[BubbaGumpShrimp]

Lets say 50/50 joint/joint agreed by both parties. I would like to avoid WWIII. Is RO on OM in filing response unwise? My children's safety is important, but there may be other (more combative, less legal) methods of keeping them safe.

Take the 50/50 gift that she's offered and thank your lucky stars that she's not going to be a complete a$$h01e about the custody issue.

Don't open up that can of worms.. She's just going to bring him around the kids anyways. You'll have started a $h1t-storm for nothing. You have an excellent opportunity to start out on the right foot post divorce. This is one case where I'd recommend playing it smart/safe.

As atoice said...your lawyer is trying to get paid. Just going for another 10% (60/40) could set your wife off and make this much for difficult (and expensive) than it has to be for you.

[a dad]

Thanks