Legal Separation - Living in same house?

[noname123]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? CT
Kids are off to college in 1 and 2 years, debating staying together for the kids till then, wife is pushing a legal separation in the same house. I can't imagine if I would agree to it (and likely I won't) what the separation agreement would look like. Wife says she already researched it, but I haven't a clue how custody/maintenance/assets would be dealt with in this scenario. I am the sole breadwinner and I think she just wants her "indentured servant" (sorry just had to vent) to keep up the good work.

Is there a legal precedence for this, and if so how could an agreement like this even be structured.

Thanks.

 

[ecmst12]

Staying together "for the kids" does more harm than good. Better for them to see you split up than for them to get this distorted picture in their heads about what marriage is supposed to be like.

 

[Proserpina]

Staying together "for the kids" does more harm than good. Better for them to see you split up than for them to get this distorted picture in their heads about what marriage is supposed to be like.

Agree. Kids aren't stupid - they "get" what's going on. Even when they're younger.

What exactly does your wife want though, OP?

Does she want you both to reside under the same roof? She stays there and you move out? What does she want, exactly?

 

[Ladyback1]

Staying together "for the kids" does more harm than good. Better for them to see you split up than for them to get this distorted picture in their heads about what marriage is supposed to be like.

AMEN!

And when I finally pulled the plug on my marriage---my kids were actually relieved! Kids see/hear/understand a lot more than we adults sometimes give them credit for...

 

[nextwife]

What about finances? Can you and she cover your existing mortgage and debt obligations - and still eat! - if the cost of a second household gets added to the mix? Does she plan to look for a JOB? It's not like the "off to college kids" need a SAHM!

 

[ecmst12]

I was FOUR when my parents split up and I knew even at that age that it was a good thing.

 

[LdiJ]

Staying together "for the kids" does more harm than good. Better for them to see you split up than for them to get this distorted picture in their heads about what marriage is supposed to be like.

I agree, but there can also be some financial considerations that can possibly make it more practical to remain in the same household if the kids are both going to be off to college in 1-2 years. We are talking about a long term marriage which often makes financial issues fairly complex. Letting the children graduate in their current high school is also a potential issue. If things can be handled amicably and no one tries to fool the children, it can sometimes be the more practical thing to do.

 

[HighwayMan]

Is there a legal precedence for this, and if so how could an agreement like this even be structured.

That's what a good attorney is for.