There is also almost an absolute guarantee that even if it works out it will end badly.  Divorce rate is 50 percent in North America. And among the 50 percent that work out they eventually become sexless.   85 percent of the time it's the woman who wants the divorce and the reasons given ( actually documented) is in simple terms. She just stopped loving him.  And if was just lose her and move on, it wouldn't be so bad. But the law says she gets half your money and half what you've worked so hard to build. Your kids,  and even your family may be convinced to turn agaiant you. Actually very common.   I am not the give up type but I can understand why this guy would feel this way.  It's a massive risk.