Hello all,

I posted awhile back regarding the emotions surrounding my desire to pursue a divorce from my wife of 7 years. I've known for a long time our marriage was doomed and I finally hired a lawyer. The lawyer will be reaching out to my wife regarding a settlement and getting the negotiations started. I have discussed this with my wife several times and every time she gets extremely angry, says us getting divorced is fine with her, threatens to take our daughter across the country and then, after a few hours, pretends like nothing happened.

I know this is going to be very unpleasant. I was wondering if anyone has tips on dealing with the awkwardness, fury, spitefulness etc. that I expect to result from the ensuing divorce and us having to remain living together for at least awhile. We live in a two bedroom apartment that has been reduced to 1 bedroom because of my wife's hoarding. The apartment belongs to me and my mom - it was purchased a decade before the marriage and is paid off in full. I have another place to go, but I'm afraid to leave because we do not have a custody arrangement and I haven't fully discussed the repercussion of my moving out with the lawyer as of yet. The most basic reason is I am afraid I won't get to see my daughter so I plan on sticking it out, at least for awhile.

Has anyone been through something similar to this? I'm not especially torn up about the marriage ending, it's been horrible for years, but I am dreading being treated with utter contempt on a daily basis and having my daughter see that.

Thanks for any help.