Expensive

                                    

                                          
"So, just to be clear I'm understanding, Mr. Shinoda, you're proposing as settlement that Mrs. Shinoda acquire one-half of your estate?" The lawyer peered at Mike quizzically over the top of his glasses after he glanced at the paperwork Mike had given him.
                          
Mike fidgeted with his watch, turning it on his wrist as he spoke. "Mr. Boyd, I want this handled as quickly and quietly as possible, as I stated before. Mrs. Shinoda isn't at fault, and I see no reason to fight what will likely inevitably be decided by the courts anyway. California is a community property state, correct?"
                          
"Yes, it is, but... your estate is rather sizable and spread between many different interests. Is your proposal on how to divide these assets included in the paperwork you've given me? Have you given any thought as to how to split your non-liquid assets?"
                          
"I've outlined all the accounts and business ventures in the paperwork," Mike waved his hand toward the papers the lawyer had in his hand, "and what I think works out to the best way to split things between us. I'm not sure how things like royalties work... obviously, she's been with me since the beginning of my career, I'm not going to fight it if she gets a percentage there, too. I'm honestly just wanting this to be as easy and painless as possible." Mike sighed and then frowned, trying to stay focused on what really mattered. The money doesn't matter. The kids matter. Just my kids. Only my kids. "I want her to stay in the house, as well. It's all my kids have known their whole lives. I think there's enough change without me moving them now."
                          
He swallowed hard as he thought of the home studio he'd spent years perfecting, the tiny vocal booth in the converted hallway that had recorded so many of his and Chester's vocals, the hours spent singing, playing, laughing, working, and mixing in that room... it would be hard to leave that behind, far harder than walking away from the rest of the house. There were so many memories of Chester in that room. It's time to make new memories. I promised him the best studio we could build. I'll make the next one even better. It will all be okay. He smiled a little as he said Chester's often repeated words to himself.
                          
There was silence as Mr. Boyd scanned through the documents Mike had given him, then he said, "I see you've included a proposed custody agreement."
                          
"As you're aware my... work... schedule provides cause for our custody agreement to be more flexible than the standard agreement. I feel that this will likely be what we disagree over, Mr. Boyd, so I'm asking you to focus your efforts toward ensuring I get equal time with my kids. The money, the property... is not a concern. I just want to be able to see my children as much as possible when I'm not touring. I'd like to propose a week on, week off agreement, with the children staying with Mrs. Shinoda while I'm engaged with work." 
                          
Mike waited while this very important, high-profile lawyer that had been recommended to him thought over what he'd just said. He's probably not used to people telling him what he should be doing. Hah... I'm not like everyone else. He probably thinks I'm crazy. He's probably used to people trying to divorce with the least amount of expense they can get away with. I'm better than that. I'm doing the right thing.
                          
Mr. Boyd cleared his throat before stating, "very well, Mr. Shinoda, I'll write everything up and pass it on to Mrs. Shinoda's lawyer. It will likely be a few days before they come back with a counter proposal. In the interim, I suggest you continue to keep your activities out of the public eye. I'll do my best to get the terms negotiated as you desire." 
                          
Their brief meeting was coming to an end, and Mike flicked his eyes to his watch. There was still plenty of time before he was meant to meet up with Brad for lunch.
                          
As an afterthought, the lawyer continued, "Also, the earliest court date we'll have to finalize everything- if an agreement is reached- is the second week of March, so you might want to be certain you're available the entire month... just in case. I would advise you not to schedule any out of town trips during that time."