My ex and I went through mediation.

Being very low-income, the attorneys and psychologist worked our case as volunteer. They were really great!

They approach divorce differently when children are involved. Children, visiting and income are separate entities. Some people do spilt custody exactly 50/50, but it's extremely rare. Usually there is a head custodian and a secondary custodian. There are then different formulas applied to how much money is needed to care for the children.

While my ex and I went to mediation together, and wanted to make our divorce as easy as possible for our children, there were still some tough decisions to make at times. I certainly cried a couple of times. But, I am very glad that we didn't go to court over anything. There is no benefit out of going to court, as it causes even more stress in an already emotional experience.

I wish you the best. It isn't fun ~ but the mediation is much more give/take, which really does help after divorce. After all, you will always have a connection through your children. Which means regular contact with one another. Try to remain polite and openly discuss what's happening in the children's lives, so everyone is one the same page. It makes the children's lives much easier...less stressful for them.