I would seek legal counsel and learn my rights. you might be suprised what happens in the state of washington regarding children. even if they are not your's but you provide for them. my younger brother is paying child support on a kid that is not even his all because he was in her life just long enough. believe me your chips are not dwindling as you put it. i am 44 and went thru a divorce at 43. life is still good. still plenty of single women out there.