About to Start the End

[kryptopop]

Hi there. Would appreciate any advice or experience on what to expect. My wife and I have been legally separated, which was initiated by her, since Aug. 2011. She lives in the house with the kids and I rent an apartment on my own. We started seeing a counselor to work out our problems. and possible work towards a reconsilliation. Didn't work out that way. Last session was Wed. night and she said she will contact the lawyer to start the process. We need to get together to work out the logisitics. We have 3 children, 2 are adopted and 1 biological. I'll be fine with joint custody, as we have now. What I'm worried about is how I will be affected financially. I only make $14hr cause that was the only thing I was able to find after being out of work for all of 2010. She has been in the same job for 15yrs and makes about $90,000yr.
What should I expect? I'm very worried that I'm not going to be able to afford whatever NY state says I need to contribute to child support. I love my kids and support them financially every way I can with whatever they need already. I have them every other weekend and on special occasions and when they just need their dad. We have a much stronger bond than they have with their mother.
But like I asked, what should I expect?

Thank you.

[jumbledone]

Custody orders a part of the 'legal' separation? Did you go to court for the separation orders?

If no separation orders, move back in today. If there are separation orders, but no custody orders, go pick up the kids @ school and let mom know you'll drop them off the next weekend.

Seriously, you are currently screwed. STBX has exclusive use of the marital home, and the lions share of time with the kiddos. You need representation, and now. With the income disparity, you might even get some traction to have STBX pay for yours.

[kryptopop]

Yes we are legally separated, by court. We were married for about 10yrs. We are not fighting over the house, everything was in her name even before we ever met, or custody of the children. There's no moving back in.

[jumbledone]

Google NY child support calcs and run the numbers. It should fairly approximate you monthly outlay.

[kryptopop]

Thanks!