Hi, first time poster
Steve is asking people to stop making assumptions, so I will only point out the known facts:
- he is giving sole custody to Erin.
Yes, that's right, upfront, right away, at the very outset, he is already giving up on the custody. This is a fact.
The rationale presented is to provide a "stable" home. Steve, who told you the kids need a "stable" home? Have you consider giving them "stable" parents instead?
- The other fact is what is not said.
You see, you have already discussed business arrangements, living arrangements, etc. Kids have already moved out and you guys have updated Facebook, blogs, etc.
But the visitation arrangements (yes, visitation, you now "visit" your kids, you gave up custody remember?) are not even mentioned. This is a fact. They are not in your post, you have not mentioned it in your answers so far and this speaks volumes.
If, as per your "rationale", you want to bring “stability”, don’t you think the kids needs to have clear, regular, STABLE, predictable visitation schedule arrangements?
These are just the facts.
Now my opinion
You can divorce your partner, but PLEASE don’t divorce your kids. Even if you think playing Halo is the only thing you can do as a dad.
How about a 90 days trial of shared custody / shared parenting time? If you/the kids don’t like it you can always revert to the current situation. You may find it really a great growth experience to blog about.
And unlike most divorced men, you are blessed with the time, money and big house to do it. Please consider doing a shared custody trial.
You may find it is worthy; after all, you have made bigger sacrifices with previous, more trivial trials.
And is also fair on Erin, she may want to have some free time to try new things now