I'm in one of those states where we have to be "separated" before we can get a divorce, so I'm working on that. I told her that in January I'm moving out. We've been married over 20 years and have a teenager. I've got a couple, a few several questions I'm hoping maybe some of you have dealt with.

I've found an apartment to live in, probably for 18 months as I'm assuming buying a second cheap home only to have it split up in a divorce isn't sensible.

On the day I'm planning to move out, do I hire a moving crew to come in and take a bed from the guest bedroom and other stuff I'm going to need? Or is it just better to go get an air mattress and literally start ground up with nothing from the "old" house? I'm assuming all this stuff is going to get split up in the divorce anyway. I really don't want to be lugging bedroom sets up and down stairs.

Attorney said to start a new checking account and credit card only in my name, and move my paycheck (single earner household, it's me) into that. If I split my pay check to help pay for the house and teenager, is that "admitting" alimony? There is enough in the savings account, so no one is living paycheck to paycheck. (Probably a lawyer question, I know.)

Also, are there any guides on what to say to a teenage kid? The kid is the sweetest kid ever, super nice. I don't want him to think anything is his fault. I'm choosing an apartment that is in between the house and the high school to make sure they can visit whenever they want.

I've already told her I'm moving out, so it isn't a secret. Just trying to figure out the logistics of separation day.

Thanks gents.