Background married 25+ years, she makes very little, but has potential to make about $60k, just doesn't want the stress. I fear divorce is imminent. If we separate, she wants me out of the house ASAP. I don't think she has any understanding of why that would be bad for me, just doesn't want to look me in the eyes if we aren't together. I assume, given the length of the marriage, we would try a separation first, with the hope of working through it, and then, if needed proceed with divorce.

Would it work for me to write up something that says Today is the start of formal separation. I will pay XX amount to her until divorce is settled. I am not relinquishing rights to any assets, any debts will be based on todays balances only, and any future alimony/ child support will be based on my primary income only. Then have us both sign it and notarize it. Would that cover me to move out?

The reason I ask. She is terrible with money and will likely run up the debt. I want to start the "new Life" debt free, so I would like to get a second job to pay that all off as fast as possible, or, one of my life dreams is to start my own business, but she is just to jealous of any time it takes when I tried in the past (construction, need to start part time to build customers).

Thoughts?