Divorce Papers have been signed...

Despite my efforts since mid-April to get the x2b to sign divorce paperwork, I had all but given up on her being civil and agreeing to the divorce terms I had laid out.

I actually scheduled a meeting for this Saturday to complete a petition for divorce with the court, regardless of the x2b's views on it.  That would have resulted in her being ordered to court, and going through mediation, etc.

When I arrived home last night, there was an envelope in the mail.  She actually signed the documents and had them legally notarized.  I was almost shocked.

Then I was overcome with several emotions.  I don't know why, but the fact that she was avoiding the issue for so long left me with some little bit of comfort in believing that she really didn't want to be divorced.  It was my little remnant of denial that I refused to let go of.  Seeing that she had completed the forms though took that away from me.  I feel a little empty.  I don't know why.  I know that this is the best thing now, to have closure.  To finalize this mess and begin moving on.  It just feels odd.

I'm going to complete the forms on my side and take them to the court on Monday.  Happy Father's Day to me I guess.  

At least I have the piece of mind that my son will be legally in my full custody, and that she will be obligated by law to limit her visitation to the terms defined in the document.  I did offer her every other weekend and alternating year holidays.  There is also a 2 week period during the summer months that she is allowed to see him.  I know she won't participate in those terms much, as it would be expensive for her to travel from California to Las Vegas to see him for only 2 days.  I fully expect her to abandon all contact after a year or two, as I watched her do with her first son when we first met.  He's now 13 years old and lives with his father on the other side of the country.  He's met my son twice since he was born.  Very sad.  I've always wanted her to maintain that relationship so that my son would at least know who his 1/2 brother was.  Maybe his grandmother will help that happen someday.

Anyway, that's my update for today.  Not a sad day, but definitely not a day of celebration.  Hopefully my thoughts will settle over the weekend and next week will be bright and full of hope.

-Chris