u/Far-Lab-2358

I told him I want a divorce 8 months ago. Tried to get him to mediate and collaborate since then. He refuses so now I am going to file. I told him and he has gone no contact while living in the same house, parenting 2 kids. I heard from his mom that he's lawyered up and I know he has no assets and he just quit his job. So I'm spiraling imaging a six figure legal battle, him with nothing to lose and just making my life a living hell, draining my bank accounts, and hurting the kids. I'm so exhausted from so many years of being the primary breadwinner, working high stress jobs with no family support, and being the stable parent. I just want to be free of this dead weight,

One of my favorite things about my 1930s home is the unpainted original wood trim. I'm considering getting 2 six month old cats for my children but trepidatious about scratching. Does anyone have experience and do the deterrents (eucalyptus or citrus oil) or any other tips work? Thank you in advance!!

I've retained a lawyer but we are still living together (separate bedrooms) because I am basically too exhausted with work, managing the house, kids, finances, to take the next steps and it is going to be a big financial strain to take on all the bills (I want to buy him out of the house).

Has anyone here considered or tried to find a like-minded divorced mom to parent with? I've seen the viral articles and fantasized about life with a partner who doesn't leave beard confetti on the sink every fucking time I clean it.

Been about 5-9 years in coming, I mostly stayed for the kids and the hope of things changing (they didn't). I told him I want a divorce, retained a lawyer, and am deciding how to move forward.

I am very risk averse and always financially responsible. I've been the primary breadwinner but he paid the mortgage. I'm hoping to buy him out of the house with some of an inheritance but I'll barely be able to cover expenses. I know I can figure it out but I'm having crazy ideas or renovating the basement (it's a walk out) into a small apartment that me and the kids could live in and renting the rest of the house to cover expenses.

Haven't told the kids yet because it's taken me 4 months to get him to accept that I'm not changing my mind, much less come together to have a unified front and explain things to them.

It's so daunting and soul crushing. I'm just telling myself every day to put one foot in front of the other. Any advice, encouragement, shared experiences would be so welcome. Love and care to every other woman shouldering this grief and exhaustion.