Husband leaving country, no plans to work

[Cateline]

Married 31 years. Spouse met rich woman who wants to support him and sponsor him for residency in her home country after they co-habitate for the 12 months required by immigration to establish a common law relationship. He moved in with her locally two weeks ago. No warning, no clues or hints of his intentions prior to leaving.

Spouse (59) quit his job effective 3/1/12, no pension. I (65) retired a year ago, am receiving SS & FL State pension income which, without his contribution, is insufficient for basic monthly bills. (I took reduced pension amount Option 2 so that he would continue to receive income after I died.) No savings accounts. House is a rental. Only real marital asset is 2007 car on which we owe 4 more payments, which I cannot now afford to pay. He owes credit debts in his name.

alimony unlikely. He won't be working, international enforcement problematical. They want me to agree to a divorce. Can I ask for an up-front amount from him (her, really)? Any other options?

[Attorney Howard Iken]

This is always a hard decision, and you really should be doing this in a in-office, personal consultation. Strictly based on these facts, if you can get a decent lump sum payment - you may want to go for it.

[Cateline]

Thank you very much for your reply, for volunteering your valuable time to provide advice.

Since they want the divorce and can easily afford the filing fees and legal representation, I am waiting to be served. I do not intend to oppose the divorce, just request a one time financial settlement. $1900 would pay off the car, $800 would pay a year's car insurance. Monthly hills exceed my monthly income by about $600.

Will a financial offer, if any, be included in the papers I receive initially, or are all negotiations done in mediation?

Can you recommend a low cost attorney in Alachua County? You are welcome to reply via the email address I provided at registration.

Thank you again for helping me feel not quite so unprepared and unprotected.

[Attorney Howard Iken]

Normally, if you are being served - the papers will be vague. Be sure to file a timely answer. Negotiations are best done in mediation, which is a required step in every case.

[Cateline]

Thanks again for replying.

I know you are in business to make a living, but looking at the times of day and night when you post replies it is apparent that you are giving a lot of your own time to providing advice to many confused and often frightened people who cannot repay you except with their thanks. You are a good man, sir.