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Am I at financial risk?

loopnet
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Post #1 of 3 (5712 views)

Am I at financial risk?

Hello-
I am engaged to be married to a man who pays significant child and spousal support to his first wife. Currently he pays over 5K per month to her in "family support". I am a professional woman, making a 6figue salary, own a home with some small investments that I would like to ensure I understand what risks I have
.
If for some reason he loses his employment, am I responsible for his financial obligations to his exwife? Obviously supporting HIM would not be a problem for me, as that is part of a marriage/partnership- but certainly do not want to be at risk of supporting his exwife or kids.

His divorce agreement states that his spousal support ends after 5 years and she does not work outside the home. She is required by law to be back at work in a set number of years, what if she does not go back to work? What does the law do then? What risks do I have in this situation?

Pls Advise.

GettingRemarried.com Legal Advisor

Post #2 of 3 (5703 views)

Re: [In reply to]

In most circumstances that can be envisioned you would not be responsible for your husband's responsibility under his divorce decree; however, in order to definitively determine your and your future spouse's potential liability under the scenarios you present
you are strongly urged to seek local legal advice.

equalmar
New User

Post #3 of 3 (5662 views)

Re: [] Re: [In reply to]

When it comes to marriage, whether it's your first or third, a prenuptial agreement can help address your concerns, and legally separate previously existing responsiblities. Often discussions about your financial future together, expectations and responsiblities naturally come from creating a prenup.

As the response above stated, you should speak with a state/local attorney who can outline your responsiblities as every state's laws differ when it comes to marriage and divorce.
Sarah Emond
Equalityinmarriage.org

(This post was edited by the_admin on Mar 17, 2004, 12:00 PM)