The whole process is hard, but if it is what you need or want, it will be better when done. I recently divorced in my early 50s with a MS and HS kid. I earned more, but still took a financial hit. So much happier! Main reason, spouse's addiction

I want straight to divorce and never looked back. Life is short to be so unhappy.

I moved from a big family home into a 2 bedroom apartment with four kids, 45 minutes away from the life we'd built. Life was so much easier in all the ways that really mattered.

This ideal for separation. He's okay with the kids (yes occasional explosions, but better than what is usually described on thus forum) so shared custody should be doable.

You want anonymous strangers to approve something?

OK, you got it, go ahead and do it.

In 40s, nice looking, earn a decent salary, but no family support for this woman. I was an only child so no siblings either. Husband has converted to rage issues and i feel constantly emotionally and physically disconnected. He wont listen to request for therapy (or his ED) and explodes whenever there is a situation where his authority is challenged (being a boss at work and high pressure job). He gets meaner by age and i ignore so as not to have an explosion at home for the kids-HS and MS aged but it bothers me more and more. Sure, he helps around the house and with the kids (good dad except when he explodes) but I feel he does not like me as much and has built a wall i cant break no matter how hard I try.
So, how hard is separation in reality?