Frankly, Erin, I'd recommend you take the custody arrangement and reviewing it with a family lawyer just so you understand Dan's rights because it doesn't sound like he does.

But I'm also a little worried that he got fucked over on the custody arrangement and doesn't really know what his leverage is.

I agree with Hec. Also, half of this shit just sounds like she wants attention, and if you can get some verification about Dan's standing, then it may be easier to just, well, ignore her.

Once upon a time, in a land far, far away, a gaming geek and a mall rat met and fell in love over Neil Simon, karaoke, and lousy bowling alley beer. Nine years ago today they got married foisted their wacky love upon an unsuspecting world.

Congratulations, Aimee and Joe! I remember when you were merely affianced.

Congrats, Miracleborns!

I meant to put this here, but accidentally posted it in Natter.

Erin, I missed the conversation last night, but I had to chime in since I'm basically a single mom now and I've been thinking a lot about a will lately. I don't think I'm scared of dying more than anyone else but I do worry now because it means my kids (well, E, F, and the coming baby) would likely be split up.

I *wish* I could specify that my parents raise all 3 if something happens to me, but I know that I can't. I should add here that Joe is not a bad father, but he has never shown me that he has any idea about taking care of the kids on a regular basis. And it is important to me that my kids grow up together. The baby's father is not currently in a place where I would feel comfortable leaving him alone with a baby, or child, but I suspect he feels the same way.

Anyway, after talking to my family lawyer, her take on it was that the best I can do is specify my wishes in the will and then leave any life insurance proceeds in a trust managed by the person I want to care for the kids. So that at least that person (likely my mom or dad) will have some influence in the situation.

And, because they deserve their own post,

Happy Anniversary, Aimee and Joe!

Happy Miracleversary!

Congratulations! your love is so ... well, NSM

Happy Anniversary, Aimee and Joe! AIMEE-N-JOE-4EVAH111!

HAPPY MIRACLNNIVERSAY! WOO!

BTW, I appreciate all the input and advice from last night. Most of my legal knowledge has to do with domestic violence law and with medieval consanguinity laws -- not applicable or helpful!

Nonian, we need to write our will, too. We have already agreed that M gets his insurance monies, minus funeral and unpaid medical expenses and other debts, and I get the house, which I am totally supportive of, even tho M would get the bulk of the $.

I don't have an life insurance policy right now. Sigh. Another thing to add to the list. I don't want D to be liable for any unpaid student loans or medical bills if I drop dead in 5 years or something.