Not sure where to start or end, WAW - #2

[john28]

OK real quick. I am pretty well versed on my states laws from the first L i met with. I'm in a no fault state. Can't file until 1 year separation. I could go the court route now and get temp custody hearings, which would have her served, or go to mediation and work out an arrangement before then between her and I. She's been very liberal with me seeing S4 so far. If that changes I know what to do. Also, child wasn't born out of wedlock, but we married in Feb and S4 was born in July.

My state does recognize short term marriages. We've only been married 4 years, 5 by the time the D is final if it goes. The L advised me that I would have to pay $500-1000 every month for up to 2.5 years, half the duration of the M. My MC told me the same independently.

From previous discussions when we tried to work it all out on our own, W wants 6-8 years of alimony, in the $300-700 range I think. I told her I would just rather pay a larger amount for a shorter amount of time. She didn't want that because "support would be ripped out from under me before I finish school". She has no clue that 2.5 years will be THE standard. She's in for a shock at mediation. A real big one.