QUESTION
Will I legally have to pay spousal support while separated? Why?
Asked on May 19th, 2015 on Divorce - Florida
More details to this question:
I have been separated for 4 years. I have a girlfriend. If my wife finds out, can she make me pay more spousal support?
8 ANSWERS
Child Custody Attorney serving Raleigh, NC
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Palmé Law Firm, P.A.
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Your spouse cannot make you pay more PSS or alimony just because you started dating after separation. The amount of spousal support is based solely on her substantial need for support and your ability to pay. A girlfriend might make her mad, but it won?t change what she needs to pay her bills each month.
Answered on May 20th, 2015 at 9:34 AM
Personal Injury Law Attorney serving San Diego, CA
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Law Office of Robert Burns
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The presence of your girlfriend is not to be considered by the Court in setting the amount of spousal support but it might motivate your wife to cause you more grief.
Answered on May 20th, 2015 at 4:58 AM
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Nebraska is a no fault state. There are many factors that affect alimony or spousal support, but having a girlfriend isn't one of them (unless you spent all your marital money on the girlfriend and left your spouse without her financial needs met, for example). You should at least consult with an attorney about your rights and obligations!
Answered on May 19th, 2015 at 4:17 PM
Social Security Disability Attorney serving Melbourne, FL
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Law Office of Robert E. McCall
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Any spousal support has to be determined by the Judge. Spousal support is not supposed to be based on whether or not either party has a friend.
Answered on May 19th, 2015 at 3:23 PM
Appellate Attorney serving Grosse Pointe Farms, MI
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Musilli Brennan Associates, PLLC
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I would have to review your judgment, but generally whether or not you have a girlfriend is not relevant to the amount of spousal support.
Answered on May 19th, 2015 at 3:21 PM
Domestic Relations Attorney serving Omaha, NE
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Diane L. Berger
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Spousal support would have nothing to do with whether or not one of the spouses has a new significant other.
Answered on May 19th, 2015 at 3:20 PM
Family Law Attorney serving Irvine, CA
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Law Office of Julie A. Ringquist
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Paying spousal support has nothing to do with whether you have a girlfriend. If one spouse earns significantly more than the other spouse earns (unless the other has proven in court that the low earning is capable of earning more), then temporary spousal support will be ordered pending the divorce. Generally, the support will be for half the length of the marriage if it was a marriage of less than 10 years.
Answered on May 19th, 2015 at 3:19 PM
Spousal support is a negotiable amount and the Judge can order you pay what he/she believes is fair under the circumstances. That goes for the amount and for amount of time you will have to make the payments.
Answered on May 19th, 2015 at 3:16 PM