OP many


coming to you and the boys. I have not had the time to read through all the replies but wanted to let you know that regardless of how you feel today, tomorrow will be better for all of you. Sometimes it is the lies/secrets that do the most damage. Having it all out in the open gives you the opportunity to make decisions and figure out a way to deal with the future on your own terms.
My ex had an affair and called to tell me about it on the phone, coward that he was. Couldn't even tell me face to face. If the truth be known, I think he was finally glad it was out in the open and also I think 'she' wanted to be a part of the situation. So she was and so it was out. She didn't know that 3 weeks prior to the confession he had just come back from being deployed (yes she was with him) and had worked everything including a babysitter to take me on a long weekend to the beach. Probably one of the sweetest and romantic times of my marriage, but made the parting so much harder when I looked back a mere few weeks. But guess what, it happened and I knew it was happening when I look back now.
Anyway, it is important for you to take a break from this situation and think about what you realistically want to do, how to do it and be good and kind to yourself. Cheating does not always spell the end of a marriage if both parties are willing to work with it, but sometimes it is. Just depends. You will need to get your things in order and make serious decisions. A lawyer can tell you what to expect financially. Probably your best bet is to start looking for at least part time work, because while he may have to send child support more than likely it won't be enough to cover it all. You will need to know your personal financial situation etc. And realize that sometimes, he won't be nice to you and won't want to help. I would have never guessed how brutal the ex was until it came down to Divorce and 'his' money. Trust me, 10 years later he can still be as brutal about things.
Take care of you and the boys, take some time to think. One of the best things I did about 2 months into the mess was take the kids away for a long weekend alone. To a beach house that was cheap..really cheap. Really small and really cheap. That weekend put my whole life into perspective. I made final decisions and never looked back. I am much happier, a whole person again. I have thanked the other girl profusely several times in the last 10 years for helping me get out of that situation. He will never change, and I am glad I will live my final years being happy and loving every moment of my family.
Kelly