I’m having issues in my relationship. We’ve been together five years, and I’ve just realized that the relationship is not giving me what’s really important to me, which is a partner who is emotionally available. I brought up counseling in December; he was really against it but reluctantly agreed to it. I didn’t make an appointment b/c the holidays were a hectic time. Now that it’s February, I thought about it and wondered, would counseling really help when my problem has to do with who my bf really is inside? For lack of better wording, "changing" someone is very difficult as is convincing them of it. In my personal experience it requires that the person in question pursue self-initiated, one-on-one help, IF they can acknowledge they have issues.

Having said that, I feel that I don’t want to "change" anyone. He needs to be who he is, and he needs to seek personal help if he feels his issues hinder his quality of life. So my questions are, have any of you gone through counseling to "re-shape" your core and your partner’s, did it WORK, or do any of you think counseling is best for financial, domestic, etc. issues?

For the record, I don’t think I’m perfect in any way. I know there are things that my bf would like to see in me (e.g. being more outdoorsy), but it’s up to him to bring those up if they’re that important. And that’s the topic of another question, I’m sure. Thanks for your input.

The divorce was filed in May 2005, my ex has been stalling, refusing to sign an agreement. Originally I had an attorney, he did as well. After not getting anywhere by our attorneys communicating and by having a fruitless settlement meeting, he agreed to go to mediation. We were able to come to an agreement for alimony & child support but he would not settle the division of assets. We set a later mediation appointment which he cancelled and has since been unavailable or just refuses to go. I am out of money (he has not paid the support for two months), my monthly bills are more than double the support even if he did pay. The family house is the only remaining asset. He has already received over half of the assets through properties sold or cash. My home is now in foreclosure, my car close to repossesion. I have only been able to keep food on the table by credit cards, loans and side jobs. The house is in both of our names, he refuses to sign it over, refinance or sell. I am stuck, help.

I just want a general idea (court costs, lawyer fees, etc).
It is uncontested. I would be the one filing, I am sure he would just let me out.

It is really difficult to research lawyer fees. I figured I would start here. I have an appointment the Monday after Thansgiving with an attorney. I don’t want to be screwed in fees.

I’m getting ready to call to set up an appointment. We’ve tried everything else so this is our last option. I know several people who have gone to counseling, and they still ended up getting divorced.

My boyfriend & I are having some problems. I suggested couples counseling and he said ok. I am thinking it could either help us or hurt us…meaning that if we both go in with an open mind & discuss our issues, we could end up better…or we could end up arguing more when the issues are addressed. I am on the fence about picking up the phone to make the appointment. Your thoughts, feedback, & experience on couples counseling…thx

At what age can a non custody father can get full custody of the child by child deciton in the state of TEXAS ?

My hubby’s son he’s (10 yrs)wants to come and live with Us my hubby try to convice his mom to allowed him at least half of school year and then go back with her, but she is not accepting she wants her own conditions like buy him a personal cell phone so she can call him when ever she pleases too and some other non sense things in order for her to allowed him to live with us. Rigth now she is not allowing hers on to speak to my hubby & he can’t see him either because they live 14 hours from where we live, so my hubby wants to do something, we have an appointment with a lawyer but until next week…. Any suggestions or advices on what to do !!!!

Today me and my ex husband had a court ordered mediation, and he did not show, or even call… what can happen to him in court on Monday
He actually is the one who requested the OSC modification, and the mediation
well he missed the appointment… so now what happens
?
we waited one full hour, before calling him a no-show… will he still have a chance to plea his case at court?

Me and my fiance plan to get married within the next year. Although, I would like to be married in my neighborhood church I don’t exactly live by the book. We have an appointment with a Priest for a pre-nup evaluation. I am afraid that there may be some issues. Does anyone know what this evaluation is about and what kind of things you are asked?

Any information would is greatly appreciated.

I am getting physical therapy for my knees/hips and my first appointment was today. I have to go twice a week. Does anyone have a rough estimate of how many weeks I will be doing physical therapy for? Thanks!

One of my friends applied for citizenship 7 years ago when he got married (for love). In the last year, he and his wife, who was born here, have been having a lot of problems. Recently he had to go back to Mexico for an appointment on his application and was granted a 1 yr Visa for now while the citizen application is still in process. Since he got back, their problems have gotten worse. He wants to get a divorce, but she keeps threatening to mess up his application if he leaves her. What can he do? Is she actually able to stop the application process? He is a very hard worker and really deserves to stay here. Any serious suggestions are much appreciated.
He wasn’t a permanent resident before. He just received his 1yr VISA at the end of July 2007. INS sent him his alien card )good till 2017) and a letter stating that he’d be receiving a social security number, but the VISA is only good through next July.