Name changed for this and please be gentle as I am in pieces.
I split up with ExH 5 years ago. DCs are now 11 (year 6) and 6 (year 1). It has not been an amicable break-up. ExH wanted full custody of DCs and accused me of all sorts of things which weren't true in the family courts. The outcome of the court cases thus far was that they live with me and spend time with him (EOW and Wed-Thu in term-time, and half of the holidays. Christmas alternates. First day of school year alternates. Easter alternates). I wanted very much to co-parent but ExH has always insisted on 'parallel parenting'. He refuses to divulge any information about what they are doing when with the DCs and has even kept girlfriends a secret - I have found out about them from the DCs.
Most crucially: the DCs do not enjoy going to their dad's and there are always tears before the longer trips away (e.g. half term, Easter, before they go to him in the summer). He was completely uninvolved in their care before we split up and is not very accommodating of children. He has unrealistic expectations for them and is very cold towards them. (He was also financially abusive, emotionally abusive and sexually abusive towards me. I am in therapy and am only really seeing how awful he was now, years later.)
He has just filed new paperwork, requesting 50/50. I understand that this is the "new normal" and very likely to be granted. I am obviously devastated. This will be the forth time in court - each time he has taken me to court he's got progressively more time with the DCs.
I feel like I have PTSD from the family court. It was absolute hell. CAFFCASS didn't listen. The judge was horrible. The cross-examination was terrifying.
As is, the DC spend most of their time with me. It's not ideal but at least they view here as their home. The idea of 50/50 terrifies me and I think it would be extremely detrimental for the DC. But I have extremely limited spoons at this point and have spent all my savings... So I would have to borrow money from elderly parents to hire a solicitor and barrister.
I know several couples who've split up lately and they are all doing 50/50 in one way or another, following court rulings.
WIBU to just agree to 50/50 care as it's so likely to happen anyway? Or is it worth fighting to keep the status quo? I spoke to a solicitor today who said "prepare for the worst" so I am not sure if it's even worth the fight.
Any advice would be welcome.