Alcoholic Wife. The breaking point.

Update. It's over.

Took 25 minutes in mediation with a retired judge so it's binding.

Divorce proceeds on. She enters alcohol treatment today (we are all still in the house) for four weeks. Once my attorney handed over the detailed log of her alcohol incidents, they came back to sue for peace as soon as possible.

I stay in the house with the kids here until she completes treatment. She will get a condo by the kids' school. I do have to kick in for some of that.

Once treatment completes and it satisfies the mediator, she will receive custody again. 50/50 daughter but also at preference/discretion of older kid.

We agreed to sell house the summer youngest graduates high school, the same year mortgage is paid off. I cannot refinance, which is cool. That splits 50-50.

We each have to kick in a minimum of five grand a year for college per kid. Each can contribute more if possible.

Best of all, my workplace is willing to have me work a little less the next four weeks - without me having to burn vacation. Boss said it's payback for all the years I worked weekends back in the day and didn't bitch. Also said we could enter contract extension talks earlier if it would make this process easier.

As good of a day as I can have.

 

That's great news, ex. Now go make out with somebody and then come back here and we'll get you through it.

 

Congrats, ex. That's about the best you could've hoped for.

 

Godspeed, ex.

And good that the conditions got her into treatment which will hopefully help and change behaviors.

When my marriage dissolved 19 years ago, I managed to get my soon to be ex-wife into mental health treatment after she had stopped and relied on me for three years. I had no control over her future at that point, but it did make me feel a little better that I had steered her toward help and hopefully a better, happier, healthy future life.

Priority Number One though is you and the kids.

Best wishes, hang in there and don't look into the rear view mirror.

Regards,
VB

 

Good news, ex. Brighter days are ahead.

 

Good to hear for you Ex; I don't wish ill will on most anyone so for your kids' sake I hope your ex comes out of rehab a better mother and person.

Your boss' reaction to the news is a great reflection on yourself; give yourself a pat on the back for me.

Wishing you happier days going forward.

 

So happy to hear this! And I hope your wife finds contented sobriety so that she can be the mother your boys need her to be.

 

Congrats, ex, and thanks for the update. Glad to hear your boss is being good to you. I'm sure that helps.

 

Thanks, all.

In my world, bosses don't like surprises from their on-air people. I've always assumed a DUI or an arrest means that you get fired.

There was an incident where the boss saw her in a very bad level of drunkenness a year ago. It was in public and clear that I was quietly embarrassed by her behavior. Right before I filed, I pull him aside and he couldn't have been better.

Only concern I have is how she will react. She's been sullen and accepting but still drinking (up to treatment as she's been in denial). I worry about her mental state and whether any of the bi-polar underneath the surface will come out. She could still make life very hard for me because I lead a visible life.

Hence why I am keeping my guard up and cautious.

I don't plan to date anyone seriously for some time - part out of concern for the kids and also because I don't want to be seen spiking the football by the soon to be ex. We had to go to a bar together to watch a mutual friend's band a couple weeks back. I've lost a bunch of weight, still have my hair, have my confidence back... judging from the eye contact, I could get more rebounds in a losing effort than Michael Cage.

I'm sure I'll take a few eventually. Just not for a few months. I've got kids to keep on the right track.

Divorce is finalized in six weeks.

 

Can't imagine what you've endured. Good luck, sir. Sounds like the best possible outcome and your priorities are good.

Onward and upward.

 

exmediahack,

I did not discover this thread until a few minutes ago. I don't know the whole story, but after reading the first post on Page 1 and this update, I know enough to say that I hope this is the start of a wonderful phase in your life. I know there will be bumpy moments, but I'm rooting for the best outcome for everyone. In my brief time back on the site, I've seen that you contribute really informative and entertaining posts, and you clearly have a lot going for you. I echo the sentiments of the others who have responded to this news, knowing they are of good character and that they know more than I do about your situation.

Wishing you and your family the best.

 

Sounds like you couldn't have received better news, hack. And in keeping with our tradition, thoughts and prayers ...