Regarding separation/divorce - what must be considered if the male separates. Our home is fully paid for and we have agreed to sharing custody of my son.

The same things as if the female separated. The two of you can either sit down and figure out who keeps what or if you can't come to an agreement then you go to court and a judge will decide.

The gender isn't an issue when getting a divorce. Its normally the " stuff " that people fight over. Belongings and children and of course separate property ( if that allowed in your state )