I am working to get my ducks in a row prior to taking the next step to end my marriage. I have 2 elementary aged kids, STBX is a SAHM who hasn’t worked in 10+ years. My biggest worry is monthly budget. I am using the CA child and spousal support calculator and obviously it depends on the income amounts and custody %. Just looking at past spending (of the family) I have come up with this estimate.

Total: $4110

Rent: $2200; Groceries/Housewares: $400; Medical/Therapy: $500; Gas/Elec: $100; Internet: $70; Auto Fuel: $80; Auto insurance: $100; Auto Maintenance/Registration: $60; Kids general: $300; Storage Unit: $100; Misc: $200

The rent of $2200 is a studio in my area, anything bigger is $2600+. Storage unit is basically for bikes, kid toys and tools that we can grab when we want.

Basically with this bare bones budget I can only come out ahead (barely) if I impute ex with full time min wage and have 50/50 custody. I didn’t even include any childcare which will be necessary if ex goes back to work.

Is this the kind of situation people are in? Should I be worried? Should I just jump in a make it work and make up the difference later when I make more money?