One more obstacle

I finally have a court date for the divorce.  Yeah!!  However, the court has offered us mediation before we appear before the judge.  My STBX and I can have everything settled before hand and when we go to court the divorce will be finalized that same day.  I want so badly to get things done through mediation, but I know he will hold back.  He does not want to pay child support, he wants joint custody even though he is almost homeless and he does not want to give me alimony.  His income far exceeds mine because he has no responsibilities.  I was left with our 2 sons and the house to take care of.  How can he not think that he should not help with children he helped produce and a home we built together, but he abandoned?  Two of his friends are going to see if he will consider the mediation.  I am willing to come to an agreement that will be beneficial for our children and to have this ordeal behind us.  I just hope he can stop being an ass and do the same.