Hubby who wants out now wants to date her

DEAR AMY: My dear husband of 30 years stated out of nowhere that our marriage was over. I asked why he was leaving, and he said he wanted a life like his single male friend has! We're both very fortunate to have made good investments, so he was able to retire in his early 50s with very little to keep him busy. He frequents social clubs on a daily basis. I am involved with all sorts of outside activities. He's an only child and likes his time to himself, and I've given him that over the years. He says he wants to try life on his own. He feels there must be more to life than what we have together. I've come up with loads of ideas to try and nothing interests him. He says there is no one else, and I trust there isn't. He's already purchased a condo and will not be taking anything from our home except his personal things. He said he would like to "date" me. I have pleaded with him to try to work on our marriage. He says he needs to do this "as an experiment." He says I have done nothing wrong. Do you think it's a midlife crisis or another woman -- and should I contact an attorney? I'm very confused.Money but no Happiness

DEAR MONEY: Regardless of your husband's motivations for leaving you, you should contact an attorney.

Because he has left and purchased property (possibly using shared marital assets), you should have an official separation agreement.

Your husband can't or won't disclose his plans, and you have a duty to make sure your current household (including children, if any) can keep going without him.

If your husband wants to date you, then great! Let him court you, initiate dates, get to know you better, and wonder whether he'll get lucky. And make sure he uses a condom.

That's if you want to date him, of course. You might decide you're not eager to spend time with someone who could treat his marriage as an afterthought.