Eric - Awesome Dude! I have nothing to say good or bad about giving up the marital home. I had my home 5 years before I married and it was easy for me to want to keep. I can totally understand why it is best for you to leave.
I so love your comment about your W discussing with your supervisor!
In regards to alimony...I was frightened with the prospect of paying $1200 a month if she lived with OM or $1800 a month if she lived on her own - for a period of 5 years. And I was told that it could become indefinite if she were to experience extreme hardship or it could be changed if either of our financial situations changed. The good thing is that paying spousal support is tax decuctable. It is income for the person receiving it. I weighed my risks and offered to buy her out so that alimony was not shown on the divorce judgement. During the haggling, her L threw in that I could claim both kids for deductions and tax credits if we would settle at $40 G. I was then able to refinance my home to pay of that and all of the division of assets.
She married a year later which most likely would have ended alimony, but had I been paying, she and OM may not have gotten married so as to continue with me paying them.
I hope things go as well for you as they have for me. My XW was at my home the last 2 days having me fix her photography software. While I was focused on that, she helped keep the kids in line. We are both on the same page about the kids. It seems like foreever since we ever had any talks about our marriage. I know that she regretted her choice, but she is probably happy now - I dont ask about that.
I know you have been told this before, but you have grown immensely by this experience. You know how to calmly talk with your wife without much of the prior macho man taking over. It is better to be friends than enemies.
If I am ever out your way or you out mine, it would be my pleasure to meet you. You are a good man Eric.
