Stephen Collins -- Molestation Trial ... In Divorce Court

Stephen Collins -- who is under investigation in New York City for child molestation -- could end up getting cleared in NYC, but he WILL face molestation charges in his divorce trial ... sources tell TMZ.

We're told Faye Grant will present evidence -- including Collins' audiotaped confession -- that he molested children, in an attempt to convince the judge to immediately separate their assets so she's protected in the event one or more victims sue Collins.

On Collins' side ... we know his lawyer plans to call at least one witness who claims Grant pressured him/her into lying about witnessing Collins molesting a child.

And we're told Collins' side will attempt to show Grant tried to extort him into giving her a grossly lopsided property split in return for burying the audiotape ... something Grant's people fiercely deny.