Sil: Let the Lawyer handle everything (that is what my Lawyer's attitude was), but remember, every e-mail, court time spent, phone call and face-to-face meeting they will charge you for so make sure it's important. My impression is that it could be he's asking for a divorce because he is worried he might harm you since he has already hurt the dog. I hope he is getting some help and that the dog is with you. If he is not getting help, please keep your distance from him so he does not harm you and go for full custody if you have kids with him. Sorry you are going through this. I had a couple of grandfathers involved in wars. One did well, the other did not.