Hey everyone, looking for some outside perspective from guys who’ve been through divorce or separation.

My wife recently took our kids to an Airbnb and told me she won’t come back home with them unless I leave the house for four months while she “gets on her feet.” She’s a stay-at-home mom, but she’s already had several job interviews lined up, so it’s not like she’s unable to work or has no options.

This was my first Thanksgiving without my kids, and it hit me harder than anything. Her ultimatum is basically: leave your own home or she won’t return with the kids. I’m not playing that game. I won’t let her use the kids as leverage to force me out.

Since it’s the holiday weekend, I plan to file for divorce next week and push for temporary orders. Even if—by some long shot—a judge ordered me to leave the home, I’d rather it come from the court than from her trying to bully me into it.

I also have some pretty serious evidence I could bring forward that would impact custody and her employment prospects. I don’t ever want to use it unless I have to, but I’m aware it may come into play.

She dropped the kids off with me last night and I plan to keep them all the way till Monday morning while she I guess get some rest.. or makes plans on where she’ll stay next. She literally gave me a December 1 deadline to be out of the house. Otherwise she’ll just stay outside the home and continue to take the kids back-and-forth. Full disclosure the kids, nor my wife are in any kind of physical danger from me (as I’m sure anyone would say on here, but it’s true) which is why she probably hasn’t taken any more drastic steps..

Has anyone been in a similar situation where your spouse tried to force you out of the home using the kids as pressure? Does the plan I’m taking make sense? I’ve spoken with a few lawyers and will talk to more, but I wanted to hear from men who’ve lived through this.

Appreciate any perspective.