I’m finally starting to see the writing on the wall that my marriage of 20+ years isnt going to last much longer. No cheating that I know of just other problems that I’ve been the only one willing or trying to fix. She seems content with the status quo. Walking away right now isn’t going to happen but I’m ready to start preparing for when I do. What steps should I be taking?

All I’ve thought of is opening a separate checking account for a small side job I have that I can get direct deposit to occasionally. Would maybe total $4k over a year but it would be money only I have access to.

I don’t want to telegraph anything because she’s going to inherit some money when her mom passes which I don’t want but I want to leverage to protect my pension/retirement account. Not a crazy amount of money but significant

I don’t have the money to hire a lawyer right away which is another reason for the checking account.

I’d appreciate any advice you guys have