When I overheard my husband, Peter, tell his friend he was only staying married to avoid child support, my world shattered. “Three kids,” he laughed, “I’d be broke. This way, I get to have my cake and eat it too.” After 15 years of marriage and three beautiful children—Emma, Jake, and Sarah—he saw our life as a financial trap.

I didn’t confront him. Instead, I contacted the best divorce attorney in town. Margaret was ruthless and strategic. With her help, I gathered every shred of evidence—phone records, dating app messages, and receipts for gifts he bought other women, including an engagement ring.

My kids, heartbreakingly aware of his absence, agreed to testify. Emma, 12, said, “Dad never spends time with us.” Jake talked about broken promises. And little Sarah? “I just wish he still read me bedtime stories.” Watching them speak with such honesty made me realize how deep Peter’s neglect ran.

Court day came. I presented everything—the lies, the betrayal, the proof. Peter looked stunned, especially when the judge awarded me full custody, the house, and most of our assets. Due to his infidelity and our lifestyle, the judge also ordered spousal support—far more than child support would’ve been.

Peter wanted to dodge responsibility by staying married. Instead, he lost his family and must now pay to support the woman he deceived. As we walked out, Emma asked, “Are we going to be okay?” I squeezed her hand and smiled.

“We’re not just okay,” I said. “We’re free.”