Hi sewsweetie 28 -- I'm afraid I haven't been coping too well, although I've been trying to take just one day at a time and not spin myself ahead to a year from now, when I envision myself as out on the streets, penniless, and never seeing my children again! (That's call catastrophizing, and it's a cognitive distortion I am trying to rid myself of.)

It sounds like you are doing better. I'm glad you have a friend who is an attorney, and I hope he/she can help you.

My husband told me (and the kids) he wanted a divorce over a month ago and then for more than 4 weeks did nothing; however, I found out a few days ago that he does indeed still want a divorce. I've tried to convince him to give couples counseling one more try (we've tried it twice, but the therapists were ineffective), and he said no. However, I've recently been seeing a therapist on my own who truly seems to understand the dysfunctional communication patterns we've gotten caught in, so I am going to ask him one last time to come see her with me. I haven't worked up the courage to actually ask him yet.

Have you and your boyfriend tried couples therapy? It can be a real relationship-saver.

I, too, cannot afford rent on my own, and that worries me a LOT, but I believe that as my husband he will have to financially support me (and the kids, if I get custody) until I can get a job.

I know our legal situations are slightly different, but it sounds like, emotionally, you and I are in very similar places right now. Please PM me any time if you want to vent, or ask a question, or anything!