I live in Michigan. Married for 12 years with a ten-year-old daughter and a five-year-old son. After quite a bit of fighting over the past year, she decided she wanted to leave in August. First, she wanted me to leave. I refused. Now she is in a rental literally three doors down from our house. She makes twice as much as I do and we have a separation agreement where she is paying me child support each month and we are sharing custody of the kids 50/50 with one week and one week off. Been to counseling and reconciliation isn't happening, though we are remaining cooperative and amicable for the sake of the kids - so far.

I met with a lawyer back in August, but don't have the $3,500 retainer to hire them right now. We have equity in the home and that is probably the best way to get liquidity up front to pay for the divorce. But right now, I am living in the legal residence of the children and am in the best position to negotiate child support. If I sell the house before I file and move out of the neighborhood to a place I can afford...I am very concerned that is a bad move.

Any thoughts?