We tried to negotiate a divorce settlement three times. All three were spectacular failures. The first took place at the start of the second day of Scott’s deposition. Scott and his attorney asked if we could begin by negotiating a number for the financial cost of his behavior. Based on the first deposition day, there

Scott and I had different views on the amount of alimony he would pay me. No surprise: his number was MUCH lower than mine. Since our negotiations were a failure, our judge would rule on my alimony. His decision would depend on Scott’s ability to pay (his income) and my expenses and lifestyle (my need).

Patrick and Marianne called Scott as an adverse witness on the afternoon of the fourth day of trial, when it became clear Scott was not going to testify on his own behalf. Patrick confronted him on his behavior right out of the box.  Patrick:  Mr. Williams, between the date of your marriage and the date

The judge handed down his decision on June 31, 2015, four months after the trial’s end. I did particularly well in the distribution of our marital assets. My alimony was disappointing and frankly confusing. After the equal split of our assets, Scott would repay half of the dissipation amount as we had agreed before trial.

I sold the house in spring of 2016 and left Massachusetts one month after my youngest daughter graduated from high school. I had come full circle. I couldn’t leave in the beginning of our difficulties. When I finally felt able to, I couldn’t get out of town fast enough. I lived the vagabond life for a year