Wife dropped the bomb; doing in house separation

[Shakspr]

Hopetex. I truly hope you have a good lawyer. I AM NOT A LAWYER, but here is what I have learned. In Texas, if you have been married 10 years or more, she is entitled to spousal support for up to 5 years. I don't claim to know the formula, but if she hasn't worked, she can get up to 20% of your gross. Plus 25% of your net for the kids (2+ children) until 18 or HS graduation. THIS IS WORST CASE, so don't freak out yet. Community property, (house, cars, debts, 401K), is divided, so you may be able to deduct the equity in the home if you leave her the home. It ain't good to be a man except the fact that the courts here DO believe in fatherly involvement in the children's lives. So you can't be cut off there, and if she tries, she will be on the wrong side of the law.

Bottom line, mediate or do a no fault divorce, uncontested, if that is an option. Lawyers get less, and there is more opportunity for reasonableness.