If my husband wants a divorce, does he need to continue to pay the bills?
Question Details:
My husband decided he wanted out of the marriage; he doesn't want to work it out or anything. I don't make even half as much as him and it will be very hard for me to pay the mortgage and the other bills alone. Can I make him continue to pay these bills? Can I make him pay for an attorney if I hire one for myself?
Possibly. The marital estate is a high priority obligation of both parties. If you file for a divorce or are engaged in a pending divorce, you can ask the court to require your husband to contribute to the marital estate. Also, depending on the length of your marriage, the income of both parties, and whether or not you have children, you may be entitled to additional relief. You can petition the court for Contribution to Marital expense, i.e. (Mortgage and Utilites), ask for Temporary Maintenance and or Child Support, and interim attorneys fees. It is within the sole discretion of the Judge to grant you Temporary Relief. For more information on Divorce and Marital Contributions, visit my website at: http://davidleelegal.com/ David Lee
