Separation

[Maggie207]

We lived together 4yrs and married 5. He has been having an affair (the first I am sure about) for the last 9 months. He wants separation, but not divorce.

Spousal Support Agreement he has offered on paper (signed and dated by him) I am in agreement with just a few minor additions. Is this paper of any use to me if he decides to change his mind and not sign the legal papers I will have drawn up?

Also, if this goes to court will the judge take into consideration the 4 yrs together prior to the marriage? I moved to another state for his job and have contributed to the household by physically updating both houses, helping with his PhD, resumes, hiring and general advice for his job, and paying bills out of my money. He also made me withdraw my 401K last year to use toward bills and updating houses. He bought one just before we were married and the other we are both named on title. He makes approx 100K. I am unemployed and have filed for disability.

I am close to being a senior citizen and he is younger. He is mentally abusive enough to have left me with daily anxiety attacks.

What are my chances for support?

[Attorney Howard Iken]

The time you spent together prior to the marriage will not count.

In a 5 year marriage you have a steep uphill battle for alimony. But short term alimony is a possibility. Especially if your disability occurred during the marriage.


Attorney Howard Iken
The Divorce Center