What should I expect? Ms-C1: Hi All,
I am new here and will try to be brief.
I had been with my stbx for 17 years, 4 of which we were married. We have one son.
My stbx began having an affair with a woman from his job. He refused to stop seeing her. After much hardship, begging and pleading, I filed for divorce. I just couldn't take it anymore!! I'd also spoken to his girlfriend and she found it flattering that I thought that she was able to keep my husband away from his family. She laughed and said "This is my house and if your husband wants to come here, then he can". I just washed my hands of the marriage. At this point, I knew that they were not going to stop seeing each other.
I also had the worst attorney in the world. I really mean this. My husband walked away from the marriage with the marital home and all of the equity in the home. I and our son had to move out of the home and find a place to live.
At first, I was angry and felt that he had gotten away with murder. He caused the divorce but actually didn't lose a thing. Eventually, I accepted this and wanted to move forward.
My attorney continuously mailed incorrect copies of our final settlement agreement. She refused to meet with me, return any of my calls, or anything. Our final divorce hearing was in Februay of this year. As of today, I still have not gotten a final divorce decree.
When my attorney finally prepared the settlement agreement, somewhat satisfactory, I agreed to sign, then she w/drew from the case. It had taken so long for us to get our divorce finalized that now it has to go before a jury. I am not prepared menatally or financially to go to trial. I have tried to contact my stbx's attorney but she has refused to return any of my calls. I felt that this matter could be settled out of court. So, I go back to court, without an attorney, hoping that the judge will hear my case and accept the terms of the settlement agreement that I had agreed upon prior to the w/drawal of my attorney. I am so nervous about going to court alone.
Does anyone know what I can expect to happen when I go to trial? Will I have an opportunity to let the judge know that I want to settle the case and not go to trial?
Peace to all,
Ms. C
