my son--42 this year--d/f'd some years back--we have since developed a close relationship...
-----fought tooth and nail to maintain contact with his 2 kids from his first marriage. by all accounts his ex is a serious nutter--ideal dubette. he maintains his kids...courtesy of the child support agency ( widely hated in the UK )
i recently found out he has spent £40 grand !! all told in legal fees court costs etc.
his ex sold their house--and moved a fair distance from him--making access visits a real problem; then a few months ago his kids ( now 15 and 13 ) have told him they dont want to see him any more.
the only positive thing about this is he can see all too clearly the problems i went through..a case of history repeating itself.