A Business Owner's Journey Through Divorce

My name is Michael, I'm 45 years old, and I own a successful software development company. Over the past decade, my business has grown significantly, bringing my annual income to around $300,000. While financially things seem great, my personal life is in turmoil. After 20 years of marriage, my wife and I have decided to divorce. This decision, while mutual, has brought an unexpected level of stress and uncertainty, especially regarding my finances.

The primary concern is the division of assets. We're both in agreement about wanting a fair split, but the business complicates things. It was started before our marriage, but it's grown substantially during our time together. I'm worried about the impact the divorce might have on the company's stability and my employees. Additionally, there's the challenge of adjusting to a single income lifestyle, especially since a significant portion of my earnings may go towards alimony and possibly child support for our two teenage children.

I've always been careful with money, investing in stocks, retirement accounts, and even a few real estate properties. However, I'm navigating uncharted waters here. How do I ensure a fair division of assets without jeopardizing the future of my business? And how do I adjust my financial planning to account for the changes in my personal life?

It feels like I'm starting over, and while I'm not worried about hitting rock bottom, I am concerned about making the right decisions to maintain my financial health and support my children's futures.

What advice do you have for someone in my position?