So we are still married, not doing well, but nothing has been talked about or filed. We’ve been married for 10+ years with 2 kids. I’m a 40’s M make about $250k and my wife makes about $130k.

My problem is I work over an hour away from my home and the hours are somewhat rigid. I am thinking about taking a job in my field as an independent sales rep. So instead of being W-2 I’d be a 1099. I would probably go from making $250k to about $160-175k right off the bat. The one issue is in my field the new firm typically pays me a percentage of my previous revenue to go there. In the ballpark of $200k-$250k. The one caveat is it’s a “forgivable loan” meaning I’d owe it back if I left and it’s incrementally added to my future income over the next 5-7 years to not crush us in taxes.

My main question is how alimony is typically viewed when someone voluntarily changes jobs to be closer to home to help the kids out and spend more time with them, and seek 50/50 custody? Especially in regards to it being considered 1099/Business income where I’d be able to deduct a bunch of that income, pay workers, etc to potentially lower my income.

Yes, I view alimony as BS because someone can decide to end the marriage but still land safely with a Golden Parachute and u think it’s ridiculous. I’ve had to sacrifice countless events to provide for the family and now I’m supposed to still support you after you destroyed the marriage?…. Vent Over….

So basically how long does it usually take for the income change to be viewed for potentially alimony purposes? Because with a lower income being 1099 with deductions, I’d probably be able to get my income down below here while still paying the current expenses, and if D-Day happened I want to make sure it’s accounted for