re: Complicated marriage/legal question involving finances

What is her reasoning for only having the youngest child with her? Are the others 18 or close? She will get child support for the youngest for the longest, so keeping the kid might be an investment. Or, she is PASing the child against you (parental alienation syndrome) so the child can be a witness for her.

What you describe isn’t a mental health crisis unless there is more you aren’t saying. She’s building her nest egg, getting her ducks in a row, and building her case. A non-working ex with 4 kids will drain you in alimony and child support. You need a lawyer yesterday.