I’ve spent the past three days lurking this sub. Sunday, had a blowout with the wife. Not the first in our 20 years; definitely not the worst either. This one was…different. Hard to explain, perhaps it was the finality of how it ended. Still processing TBH

So, necessary background: married 20. Live in TX. Both employed. Her salary is about half mine. SO was SAHM for a long time. Kid is in college now. SO dabbled here and there and finally became gainfully employed about 2 years ago. Bought a house last year (long story). Have a single vehicle we owe a bit on (I work from home). Maybe 9k in CC debt.

Trying to figure out how financially fucked I will be.

I’ve read up on TX alimony (spousal maintenance) and it’s capped at 20% of gross earnings or $5k, whichever is less. Ok, fine. Given we have 20 and less than 30, max is 7 years paying it or her shacking up, blah blah.

Split of assets isn’t always 50/50. But tends to be equitable.

House note is covered by my salary. Hers, not so much. Given the current interest rates and housing market, there isn’t any equity I’m aware of. TX is communal property; her name isn’t on the mortgage (she’d have hindered our application). Trying to understand how the division would work. Any insights are appreciated.

Haven’t made any appointments with attorneys yet; that’s coming.