Served with papers, need some advice
Ok I need some advice. We've been married about 2 years. 2 kids, both toddlers. Relationship has been on the rocks for some time. Issues with finances and her hiding money in the past, i am a recovering addict and I relapsed one time(years ago), we have very different parenting styles, no boundaries with her family and oversharing personal issues with us. The list goes on and on really.
Now, since we moved in together. I have sent her half of the bills every two weeks when I get paid. She went as far as typing up a word document, breaking down our bills and coming up with what needs to be paid. I had no issues, and like I said, would send her the money every payday via cash app. 1500$ every two weeks for years.
Now she just served me with papers. Claiming that I am an unfit parent and she wants full custody of our kids. Claiming that ive not made a single payment towards our bills and that she wants payment for that. On top of alimony. On top of half of my retirement.
So she basically lied at every bullet point. Straight up lies.
And ive been very naive. Ive been in the mindset that we will seperate. And we will just trade the kids off every few days. I dont want anything extra from her and her nothing from me. So I thought.
The house is in her name. It was hers when we got together and I moved in with her. Ive paid on that mortgage with her for years. But was expecting nothing back. Just to go our own ways.
Now after reading these papers, I am SHOOK. though its all lies, how likely is it that she will get all of this stuff that shes going after? Is there anything i should be doing in the mean time? Im in the process of obtaining a lawyer. We are in MD. Please give me some pointers here.
I am a good father and I just want to be able to take care of my kids when this is all said and done.
I can give any other details i may have forgotten.
Thanks