Dear Attorneys,
My husband is just being so difficult to live with during our divorce. Everyone tells me that if I leave the house, I’ll forfeit any interest I have in it. My attorney told me that’s not true, but that I should still think it through because I will likely be required to continue to contribute to household expenses. I feel like my friends who are telling me this probably know better because they are recently divorced. Who should I listen to?
Sincerely,
Chatty Cathy
Dear Cathy,
Are your friends who are telling you this also lawyers? If not, it should go without saying to listen to your lawyer. Based on the facts you are presenting here, your lawyer is correct. If you have friends who vacated their marital residence and then didn’t end up keeping the property, it is likely because that is the division of assets that they chose to agree to as part of their dissolution. It does not have anything to do with “abandonment,” which is a common misconception.
The important lesson here (aside from listening to your lawyer) is to focus on the portion of your lawyer’s advice regarding the household contributions. We see a lot of people who are anxious to move out, but then very quickly realize that it is a lot harder to financially support two households and then they struggle during the pendency of the divorce. We would suggest weighing your options carefully, scheduling a meeting with your attorney to learn more, and ultimately, stop asking friends for advice. You have an attorney for a reason.
Wolf & Shore Law Group is here to help you make your family law matters easier, not harder. We are realistic and direct with our clients. We encourage potential clients to seek out a firm where they will feel comfortable and confident. Ever argue with a woman? Let Wolf & Shore Law Group go to work for you. Call us at 203.745.3151 or email us at info@wolfandshorelaw.com.
Very Truly Yours,
Wolf & Shore Law Group
*The situations represented in our Dear Attorneys column are entirely fictional and any resemblance to a specific case is unintentional. We cannot, and will not, offer legal advice to anyone who is not a client. However, if you do have questions or concerns, you should contact an attorney at your convenience.
