So, my wife asked me to move out about a week ago, and I’m trying to understand what my options are. We’ve been married 10 years, and we rent our place together. I’m the main income earner, pulling in about 80% of our household income, but we both work from home and share the parenting. No abuse or anything like that, just a rough patch in our relationship. Anyone know what my rights are with income and property if this heads toward a separation?
Oof, sorry you’re dealing with this. My understanding is that for rented property, it’s about who’s on the lease. Since you both are, you technically both have a right to stay, but it sounds like you’ve already moved out?
@Mal
Yeah, I did. I figured it would help us both get some space. Just trying to think ahead about what’s next, especially if we decide on a formal separation.
@Mal
For sure, getting a lawyer could help you figure out what your rights are before anything gets finalized. Do you think this will head toward divorce?
Mal said:
@Mal
For sure, getting a lawyer could help you figure out what your rights are before anything gets finalized. Do you think this will head toward divorce?
Not sure, but I want to be prepared, y’know? Just in case things don’t work out.
If she doesn’t make enough income to support herself, there could be spousal support involved. It usually depends on her monthly needs and whether she’s got any additional income lined up.
Mai said:
If she doesn’t make enough income to support herself, there could be spousal support involved. It usually depends on her monthly needs and whether she’s got any additional income lined up.
Got it. That makes sense. I just want to know how they calculate that stuff if it comes to it.
Mai said:
If she doesn’t make enough income to support herself, there could be spousal support involved. It usually depends on her monthly needs and whether she’s got any additional income lined up.
They look at both incomes and who has more. Also if you’re the primary caretaker, that plays a part in child support too.
Since you’re doing a lot of parenting and stuff too, that could impact who gets custody and child support. They consider who spends more time with the kids and who’s got more financial resources.
Wolf said:
Since you’re doing a lot of parenting and stuff too, that could impact who gets custody and child support. They consider who spends more time with the kids and who’s got more financial resources.
Thanks! Yeah, I’d definitely want to keep up my involvement with the kids no matter what.
Wolf said:
Since you’re doing a lot of parenting and stuff too, that could impact who gets custody and child support. They consider who spends more time with the kids and who’s got more financial resources.
Also, some states have calculators online to give a rough idea of child support based on incomes. It’s helpful if you want a ballpark number.
@Harper
Good tip, I’ll look that up. Might as well be as informed as possible.
If you’re still paying rent together, you might be able to negotiate who pays what if one of you ends up keeping the place. Do you think she’d be open to discussing that?
Kit said:
If you’re still paying rent together, you might be able to negotiate who pays what if one of you ends up keeping the place. Do you think she’d be open to discussing that?
Yeah, we’re both pretty reasonable, so I think we could work something out. Just want to know my rights in case things change.
I’ve been through something similar… taking it step by step is key. You’ll want a lawyer eventually, but right now just keep things calm if possible. Sounds like you’re doing that already.
Mars said:
I’ve been through something similar… taking it step by step is key. You’ll want a lawyer eventually, but right now just keep things calm if possible. Sounds like you’re doing that already.
Thanks, appreciate it. Yeah, I’m trying to keep things as amicable as possible. Just feeling a bit out of my depth.