Well it's finally over and we can close this chapter for good. SD turned 18 a few days ago. She has been estranged starting the late spring of 2020 and PAS out for good in 2021. I met her when she was 3 and everything was great. When things got serious between DH and I all hell broke loose. It had been up and down for years and came to a head when I wouldn't terminate my pregnancy to appease SD. The way she phrases it now is my DH couldn't honor her wishes and respect her boundaries and she had no choice but to leave. Well in the end, her leaving really improved our lives to be honest. That may sound awful but it's the truth. The drama was basically gone, no more disney dad, no more crazy BM blow ups, and no more disrespectful kid in my home. It's been nice.

As for the last ditch effort for more child support 30 days before SD turned 18, that's all gone too. After a legal consultation an attorney told DH he did not have to legally respond or turn in documents until it was petitioned through the courts. So he just waited it out to see if anything was filed. The order of obligation is officially expired however, DH has to file next week to stop income withholding since it is not automatic. The legal ties to BM are finally cut.

As for the future I guess we will have to wait and see. DH has accepted that she is gone and he feels that this is the closure he needed. He doubts he will ever hear from SD again and has said if at any time she contacts him he will keep his guard up and wallet closed to see what her true motives are. According to facebook, she is planning to legally change her last name to BM's maiden name. DH is sure SD will continue the same cycle BM has that was passed down from her mother. Every single kid on BM's side of the family is estranged from a parent. It seems to be family pattern. DH informed me he is removing the tattoo of her name.

I've seen this man absolutely shattered by this and now finally, he was able to put himself back together. DH has been doing so great the last 2 years. He is healthier and happier than ever. We will continue to live our life with our 5 kids and just continue making memories with them. Sadly, my SIL and BIL are starting to discuss separating due to the stress of his kids and crazy ex wife. My SIL is a strong person and I know it will be BIL's loss. I'm glad my DH and I were able to make it through the past 15 years with our marriage intact and stronger than ever.

Good luck to everyone still going through it. I haven't posted very often, especially recently but I still read a lot of the updates. Step life is over for me. Truthfully, its been over since June of 2020 but now there is nothing legally BM can throw at us. Rags you always brought the humor to every post. CLove good luck and stay safe, I can't imagine what you have been through. Castle JJ, your situation sounds pretty similar to mine in regards to the parental alienation aspect. Good luck to you and hoping you have a smooth remainder of your pregnancy.