I posted a couple of years ago here. My stepson is 16 and have been in his life since he was 5. It has been such a struggle because his father is a narcissist, manipulative, and has brainwashed him. He has always wanted to live with his dad full time since before I came into the picture, and as of two years ago changed from 50/50 to living there full time.

Mostly Off-Topic but somewhat relevant...

For anyone familiar with the Adelson murder case regarding victim Dan Markel (RIP Dan) in Florida, the jail phone calls from last month AFTER Charlie Adelson was convicted of the murder (=4th conviction after the three he paid to have his ex-brother in law Dan Markel murdered) are being published. It's like driving by a car crash - knowing you shouldn't look but unable to look away. 

The long saga is finally almost over. Ex agreed to the settlement offer (while complaining to my attorney it was $30k less than he should get), signed, then I signed days later. 

An update to my blog from a week ago (linked below):

https://www.steptalk.org/blog/stepultimate/freedom-272617

On Valentine's day (Monday this week), my attorney emailed STBXH stating all communication should be via my attorney. STBXH tried saying that was unnecessary but my attorney politely but firmly shut that down. 

SO. AWESOME.

Came here to post a quick update on the divorce.

I filed & paid my taxes tonight from my old TurboTax account. TurboTax alerted STBXH, who has not yet done his taxes, and he emailed me asking if that was me (yes) and if I filed joint or separate (separate, DUH), and wrote, "I know you are upset, but we have some unfinished business. Please contact me, so we can tie up these loose ends."

Update from my previous "Full Circle" blog:

https://www.steptalk.org/blog/stepultimate/full-circle-271039

STBXH was served this week, and went from acceptance to cold & butt-hurt, arguing against divorce (=my reasons are not legitimate!), trying to get me to change my mind & continue "working on" our marriage. 

Just a brief update: STBXH announced yesterday (Sunday) morning as we were taking the 1st load of the day to STBX's new apartment that...

SSnow21 is moving into the new apartment too! 

Update to previous blog here:

https://www.steptalk.org/blog/stepultimate/stbx-update-270954

Filed today. 5.5 years married. STBXH moves to his new apt tomorrow, unclear when his crying, begging, blaming, and "I just don't understand!" will end. It's exhausting.

Tough day, but bright future not living with conflict & financial insanity. Whatever the co$t is, it's the price of freedom. 

STBXH (1st time typing that) is now clear I am done. It went better than I could have asked, and now my worst fear is behind me. I clearly, peacefully, and thoroughly said everything I needed to say, and he didn't get angry or arguementative.

Deep down he knew. I am relieved he is being respectful, and that he owned his part & totally shifted gears to acceptance. 

Ever since SO and I met, I showed absolutely no interest in SD8 (5 at the time). I had never been married and have no kids. SO was married for 7 years and had her daughter. When we first met and SO and I would hang out whenever possible without SD since BD would take care of SD on Wednesdays which were the visit days. It never came out of me to take SD out with us anywhere. I would try to avoid SD as much as possible.