I was married nearly 39 years. I was the bread winner for most of the time. My ex thought money grew on trees, I guess. I was content till she got mad and kicked me out. She forgot that "our" money was actually my money. She thought I'd come running back, but instead, I picked up my clothes the next day. She didn't work long enough to be able to draw disability, so she was up the creek. We were living with our oldest at the time, and my contribution to the household finances was important. She ended up having to get a job. She worked for five months, had a stroke, and now finally gets disability. About a third of what I get. But she decided tobfilecfor divorce and I didn't fight it. Kids are all adults, no alimony in this state, my money is mine.
We weren't party animals, so I know she isn't going that route. She's still with the kids, helping raise our grandsons.
What if I had to pay child support? Been there. We were separated in '85. I took her to court to establish my child support. Lawyers wanted to make a big fight of it and I wouldn't let them. Only quibble was visitation, but that was ironed out quickly. They were my kids. I have a responsibility for them. Had the divorce gone through then, I would have taken my responsibility like a man. I knew what their home life was, so I couldn't complain. My first concern: are my kids fed, clothed and sheltered. The answer was yes. We were apart for another month or so, but I never had a problem paying the support. Hell, the judge even thought I was nuts. Had I ever felt it was harmful for the kids go live with her, I'd established my primary concern was for them.