Hashing it out

E called this morning and is ready to go over the legal jargon with me. I wanted him to explain exactly what he was wanting- in his own words. We discussed things. He was very surprised that I wasn't willing to go along with his demands. I must say that I was surprised that he thinks my life will just keep getting better, that I will continue to make more and more money every year- and that he definately sees me finishing school and pursing teaching. That was nice to hear. But his main focus is that he will not be able to buy a house with this mortgage hanging over his head. I can see his point. But he had a fine home already. He was the one who decided to leave- so I think he will have to live with those consequences. He makes plenty of money to make this all work. I told him I am not trying to be greedy. I want to provide the best life I can for the kids. They deserve a home- the one they have grown up in. I can't provide that for them if I have this fluctuating income every year. I told him we both owe it to the kids to figure out a stable figure that I can depend on every month. He wants the money to be coming to me in alimony because it is tax deductible that way. But either way- the money he spends on ch. supp. and alimony will count against his monthly spending. So I don't see what difference it makes. As long as he agrees on an amount that we can both work with I will be fine with that. All I want is to be able to pay the bills.

I will be calling my lawyer and going over a few things. I don't know if I will need to go in and see him or if we can do it over the phone. But I do know that mediation is most likely in our future.