What are my rights to spousal support?
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What are my rights to spousal support?
My husband and I have been married for 4 years. He recently informed me that he has not loved me for 2 years and has no interest in working on our marriage; he wants to end it. I have been paying for family benefits for myself, my husband, and my step-daughter for the past 2 years. I don’t even bring home $600 month due to my payroll deductions for benefits. My husband is a self-employed general contractor and makes good money. He wants me to move out. Would I be considered a “gold digger” if I ask for him to pay off our car (only 1 year left on it) and to pay me $500 month spousal maintenance?
Asked on November 4, 2011 under Family Law, Minnesota
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
Every situation is different; there is no way to provide an answer to your question based only on what you write. As a general rule, if one spouse earns more than the other and/or provides a majority of support for the family, he or she will likely have to pay support to the other spouse in the event of divorce. Also, any property or money accumulated during marriage will be divided or distributed between the spouses in some way. You should speak with a matrimonial or divorce law attorney about your specific case, to understand your rights and likely economic recovery.
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