My divorce in Austria

My divorce lasted a total of two sessions in Austria.

In the first session the judge asked both of us the 3 questions mentioned in the previous section. We did not agree since my ex-husband wanted sole custody of our daughter and for me to pay him spousal support based on future earnings. (His logic was that I was too busy studying to manage childcare, but I would subsequently get a good job after graduation thanks to my hardwork! and should therefore pay him to stay home with our daughter). 

My biggest mistake during the divorce was not having legal advice. I could not afford it and therefore I went to court hoping that my ex would play fair. 

I will never forget the warning the judge gave me - if we didn't agree by the next session on the three points, then the case would become contentious and potentially last for years. With hindsight, I wish I wouldn't have taken the bait. Of course the judge simply wanted to get the whole thing over with, add it to his list of "fait accompli" without any regard whatsoever to the lives affected with such a decision thereafter.

Being all alone, no money for legal help and just starting a new internship at a good company, I decided to get it done with, and in April 2013 I signed the divorce settlement that gave us both joint custody. He got to keep all the matrimonial assets, neither of us would receive matrimonial support ("unterhalt") and the child would live with me but he would pick her up from kindergarten daily and bring her home to me at 6pm. Also he would get a every second weekend with her. I simply wanted out, and I thought if I gave him everything he wanted, he would finally let me go and leave me in peace. Second biggest mistake of my life.