Hey all,

If you file separation.. it locks in finances, spending, debt, etc at the day of filing right? Same as filing for divorce. Ultimately I want divorce.. but I have a lawyer I'd like to hire that is about 10K down (cost to file, + retainer fee).. I know.. that's high.. but he's never lost a case for his guys.. or rather.. at least as far as the several men/friends that recommended him to me say he's always done very well for the men. So to me it's worth it based on about 2 to 3 million in total assets we "might" have (not sure the value of my stock yet).

Basically I found out my STBXW is planning on a few expensive trips this year.. buying shit ahead of time.. and a "procedure" that will run the toon of 80K to 100K total.. and I suspect if she does that soon, I'll be on the hook for half that shit (in a no fault state).. so I want to lock down the finances hopefully before she spends any more. The procedure is coming up in 3 or 4 weeks too.

Is there a way I can file online on my own.. without a lawyer right now.. and then hire the lawyer once I do the full divorce route when I have more money to afford?

Only big issue is.. I'd love to move out.. but I cant afford first/last on a rental place.. that's like another 5K or so just to get in to a rental. I can try to stay in the house.. but she will without a doubt make it impossible.. plus she is planning on having friends/family in the next few weeks come help her after procedure.. and it will be quite awkward once they all hear that I filed for separation. Especially cause she'll tell them its all about money to me and I dont care about her health. I do.. I wish her the best.. but not at the expense of me paying for half that shit in divorce.