How much will a divorce hurt my son?

[cat03]

well, I'm divorced and my kids dad sees kids every week 2-3x a week, as you point out at this point it would be a formality to get the paperwork done as your "h" has his own life, comes a few times to play dad and then go his merry way thinking all is well.
Do you live for the few times he comes over? is that really worthed, after so many years to hold on to those crumbs? I think you deserve so so much better than that kind of life.
Your son is already living like a kid from D with a pretty much non-exhistant dad. If his dad wants a relationship with this son he will still be able to have visitation, custody and visitation are not the same.

Frankly, it seems this arraingment only benefits your H, and leaves you and your son hanging until that man graces you both with his presence. Step back as see things for what they are, your H is having his cake and eating it too, 5.5 yrs of this life is wayyyy to much to live like that!