We have no relationship. She wants no part of my life unless she wants something.
No relationship is better for you right now...look at that as a good thing. Most wayward wives want the OM AND to keep their betrayed husband as their go-to best friend and baby sitter who will help them out whenever they need it.
The "unless she wants something" always worries me. I know you've been off launching your own businesses, but in the process of planning and business structure be sure to consult with your tax advisors carefully so as to not open up any opportunities for your ex-wife to feel she MAY be able to pursue more child support or something.
It's much easier to minimize your income when you own your own business. There is a lot of flexibility you can use to protect yourself. For example, an S Corp can retain earnings (which you reinvest in the business) and pay you a simple salary. An LLC can ring up a lot of "maintenance" expenses or even buy up 10 years worth of supplies and write off the expense. Either way...you can write off as much of your travel, meals and entertainment through the company and keep your income artificially low. You'll need to be diligent for a long time (because they court can make you provide copies of every years tax return). If things really take off maybe you add a family member as a highly paid employee to reduce income. Things like company cars are larger faster write offs/deductions than capital/building investments that have to be depreciated over many years. You can certainly TRY to keep a low profile but people talk and if your business takes off beyond your wildest dreams, don't think your ex-wife won't some day think she (and the kids while they are with her) aren't entitled to a piece of it.
An ounce of prevention with good planning can save you a lot of headache later.
The internet is 90% complaining and entitlement and I hate it because I deserve better!
