Ok, a little background: she cheated multiple times. We separated and she joined a dating app. We reconciled for a moment and now she is planning on moving into an apartment. We have 3 children and will be splitting time 50/50 (I anticipate having them more than that because she barely if ever keeps all 3 by herself and tends to struggle when she does mentally). She is moving out because I told her I would not. I have the higher paying job making a little more than double what she does and I pay all medical related expenses.

I am thinking of letting her make this move and be out for a couple of months before telling her I want complete finances split because of her additional costs. She also has a shopping problem and uses expensive beauty products etc.

The house is only in my name and I have the ability to refinance and pull out equity to pay her half and continue to keep the house. She couldn’t afford too even if she got more than what the state child support calculator states she would get, plus she is voluntarily leaving the house again which gives me grounds for maintaining the status quo and keep the kids in a safe neighborhood with their friends and schools.

Last time she filed for divorce and wanted no lawyers and I agreed. We were able to come up with a fair plan that honestly benefited her. This time I’m not going to be so willing to give her stuff.

What are some things I can do to prepare and have money set aside? Once our finances are split any money is save does she have claim too? She will want to keep her car $600 payment she can’t afford on her own and new rent can I use that as leverage to keep some assets by agreeing to continue the payment? I can afford it.

What are some creative negotiating ideas to keep her away from the house and maintaining as much savings as possible?