Friday, February 22, 2013

Secrets to Dealing with a Dragon – part 2



Well you would think that a 15 page Minutes of Settlement agreement would be thorough enough to prevent any further discussions between two parties on issues like child access and support. But apparently when you are a Dragon nothing is ever enough and there will always be a bone of contention.

The Minutes of Settlement are so black and white a child could read it and walk away with a clearer understanding of what was agreed upon than a manipulative malicious Dragon could.  There really should be no issue. But within one week of the agreement being written disputes were being brought forth by the Dragon. As Max’s lawyers office very elegantly stated “the ink isn’t even dry!”

She questioned aspects of the access. She questioned aspects of the support. The demands and issues kept coming.

In mediation the mediator clearly stated that with this very detailed agreement there really should be very minimal contact between the two parties. She also suggested that the parties should communicate by email only, and on that regard, once a week would be sufficient. She saw no reasons for phone calls or in person discussions, especially in light with the Dragons need to engage in conflict with Jessie present. These in person or over phone discussion should be far and few in her eyes.

But apparently the Dragon thrives on conflict.  Like a vampire, her blood is conflict. But I am sorry Dragon dear, Max and I really do not care to feed your need for drama. So bring on the boundaries.

In a very clear and detailed email the following were outlined.

Phone calls
Max made it clear he wanted no more phone calls from Dragon.  She has proved time and time again that she is incapable of a human conversation. She degrades Max and she manipulates and bombards the conversation.  So why would he want to engage in chat with you Ms. Dragon? Unless it is an emergency with regards to Jessie, don’t call the house! Put it in an email otherwise. And if it is an emergency, details as to what that emergency is need to be left on the machine message, at which point Max can call her back.  No “it’s about Jessie, call me.” Nice try. Not going to fall for that one.

If Jessie wants to call, have her. She can also leave a message and Max can call her back.

Emails
No daily bombard of issues please. Once a week send your concerns or questions. If more than that, they won’t be responded to. They will be responded on one day, unless an emergency.

On that, very often Max has had to say on an issue that this in my one and only response on this issue and after this, I will not respond to any more emails on this issue.  It is like dealing with a child really!

Pick up and drops offs
Max refuses to go to the door for picks ups and drop offs anymore. Why would he when he is yelled at, abused, ridiculed, all in front of Jessie. How is that healthy for either? He now sits in the car and waits for Jessie at pick up time. And for drop off, stands by the car as she walks up to the door. She waves back when she sees her mom.


All of these have all helped really. We hear from her less. And if we do get a call or she emails, there is plan for boundaries. We feel like there is some control over the situation, she is not the one controlling us as she wishes she could.  It is refreshing really.

While the list of boundaries grows and grows by the day, we are figuring it all out. She only has control if we let her.   

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