QUESTION

Am I receiving a fair amount or should I get a mediator?

Asked on Jan 30th, 2014 on Divorce - Michigan
More details to this question:
After being married 24 years, my husband decided to move out because he doesn't love me anymore. We have 3 boys, oldest 23 just out of the Marines and at home until he gets settled; other son, 19 is in college with a scholarship; youngest son is 12 and is high functioning autistic and intellectually disabled and will never be self sufficient. Husband took over our finances after I had handled them for 20 years about 3 years ago. Long story short, we lost our home that we lived in for 20 years. Moved out of town and are now renting a home. Shortly after moving, our boat was repossessed as well as one of our cars. Husband retired right after our move, works and makes approximately $3000 a month as well as receiving a pension income of $3179. It was agreed 8-9 years ago, I will quit my career and stay at home for our son. When he decided to leave, I suggested I stay in our home so that we don't interrupt our son's schedule and break the lease which we've signed for 3 years. We have been renting for 18 months now. The rent amount is $1350. Husband offered $3000 in good faith. With the rent, utilities, unpaid bills and groceries budgeted at $150 weekly, the left over amount is approximately $178. My autistic son attends a Shelly Baird class and his breakfast/lunch money is $100 per month. He also sees a psychiatrist 2x a month which costs $20 a visit plus gas traveling 50 miles one way. His medication costs $70 per month. I'm concerned for his stability. Husband wants visitation every weekend of the month. I do not agree to this. Husband suggests I have him 1 weekend, still don't agree to this. My son is very structured, and I have gone through behavior therapy with him for over a year. I have continued with the program and he responds very well. However, husband does not use the program which causes meltdowns at times. My question: without sounding greedy, is this a fair amount; should I get a mediator because this is all agreed in good faith?
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4 ANSWERS

Business Law Attorney serving Bingham Farms, MI at James T. Weiner, P.C.
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Heck with the mediator call an attorney.
Answered on Feb 04th, 2014 at 8:41 AM

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Social Security Disability Attorney serving Melbourne, FL at Law Office of Robert E. McCall
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Nothing about this process is "fair" by any definition. You really need to retain an attorney familiar with Family Law and creating plans for the disabled son. For example you should apply for Social Security SSI benefits for him. This proposal has no life insurance protection for you or the disabled child. If former husband dies before Wife, does she forfeit money she lives on? Too many unanswerable questions, you really need experienced attorney.
Answered on Feb 04th, 2014 at 8:34 AM

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Appellate Attorney serving Grosse Pointe Farms, MI at Musilli Brennan Associates, PLLC
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I would need more facts to form an opinion as there are a number of special circumstances that take this case out of the ordinary. You need a good attorney and a though review. I might appear to be costly but, given your position, an error will compound for years - if not for the rest of your life.
Answered on Feb 04th, 2014 at 8:17 AM

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Getting a Mediator might be a good choice. At the very least, the Mediator can assist with the child support calculation and alimony discussion, among the other issues.
Answered on Feb 04th, 2014 at 8:17 AM

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