Stephen Collins Divorce -- Trial Date Set ... Molestation a Hot Topic

Stephen Collins' divorce trial is set to begin next month ... but first the judge wants to hash out as many details as possible -- and you can be sure his child molestation admissions will be one of them.

Collins and his estranged wife Faye Grant were in a L.A. court Wednesday for the start of divorce proceedings. The judge set Feb. 9 for a trial date.

Next week, both sides will meet for a settlement conference -- basically, one last chance for them to reach agreement on issues in their divorce before the trial begins.

One of those hot topics -- Collins' claim the molestation controversy has cost him work, so he's making less money ... and can't afford to pay Grant. She wants her share of their assets protected in case he gets sued by one of the victims.