What do I need to know?

[1boy1angel]

I have been married for several years and we have one boy. My husband and I have never had a very easy time of things and the past few weeks he says he wants to separate (it doesn't help that he has started seeing someone else). I am doing everything I can to try and keep us together as I think it is what is best for all of us, but I'm aware that I need to prepare for the worst.

I don't know if he would fight me for custody of our child and what he would be willing to do financially as he has been the main provider for our family since our child was born. Any advice about what my options would be in the event of a divorce and also anything that might be useful to put in place now would really be appreciated.

Thank you.

[tbtc20]

I'm sorry you find yourself in this position.

The starting point is 50/50 for financial and residency of children.

I would suggest you start to get your financial things in order as you both need to make full financial disclosure of all assets, accounts, debts etc for a period of 12 months.

[Lonecatwithkitten]

If he wants to separate and is seeing someone else he is not prepared to continue the marriage. As a wise MN said to me in a similar situation if he wanted the marriage to work he should be doing everything in his power to make it work you alone can not work on your marriage. As an outsider it looks to me that he checked out if the marriage a long while ago.
Start protecting yourself get all the financial information together, get lawyered up so you know about finances and child arrangements etc. Gather your friends and family around you so they are able to support you.