Question:
My husband told me June 2017 he wanted a divorce. My parents gifted me my house so he never had paid rent or a mortgage. We married in 2004. He took a family hardship discharge in Aug 2007. I have several medical issues that do not allow me to work & 2017 he filed taxes as me a disabled spouse without consulting me. I have no source of income or insurance. Since he said he is leaving eventually, he went through the VA process. He did not disclose the final results to me. He quit helping pay for any medical or prescriptions for me & claimed it was because they do not benefit him. My senior citizen parents help me some but if he leaves, I am & will be completely strapped. He doesn't even bit groceries that are allowed for me. And sometimes labels what he does buy as his so our boys will not eat it. He does buy them clothes & take care of them. But for summer camp he didn't provide the money to register & my parents did. Even with my son's glasses, I still payed half. I don't know what he does with the income he makes, the VA disability, & he got back over $5000 tax refund. I live day to day & am fine. However I have no way to save for a lawyer or know what to do. If I try to talk to him about the marital situation he becomes defensive. I only want to be prepared and how that I wouldn't need to be. Is there a way that I can encourage him to help me with groceries and medical while we are still married too?
Jim's Reply:
"Is there a way that I can encourage him to help me with groceries and medical while we are still married too?" Sure, I guess if you ask nice that may work? Otherwise the only solution I see for you is to begin the process of a divorce yourself. If you don't start the process, nothing will happen...simple as that.
- PS from StatesideLegal: Use the "Find Legal Help" directory to look for LSC providers in your area that might be able to help or provide advice about divorce and your rights, and/or ask a local LRS provider for a low-cost consultation with a lawyer who specializes in divorce to understand your options.