Legal separation before leaving the marital home?

[Mendomom]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? CA
My husband wants to stay in the marital home & I agree as I can't afford to stay there on my income, but should I get a Legal Separation before leaving with our daughter? A friend told me that it may affect child support and/or alimony in a negative way if I'm the one to leave?

 

[LdiJ]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? CA
My husband wants to stay in the marital home & I agree as I can't afford to stay there on my income, but should I get a Legal Separation before leaving with our daughter? A friend told me that it may affect child support and/or alimony in a negative way if I'm the one to leave?

If you are leaving and taking your daughter with you then no, it would not have any effect on child support or alimony. If you were to leave without your child, it could certainly have an effect on custody, and therefore a residual effect on child support and/or alimony.

I certainly would not move out until custody has been decided.