Should I try to get alimony?

[caribecca]

Kansas

My husband and I of 8 months have mutually decided to get a divorce. While married I had credit and he did not. I paid off his car and paid for other things with the understanding that he would pay this off. He is in the military and is currently overseas. I am in KS. We are trying to decide a civil way to do this so that I'm not stuck with all the bills that we both helped build but he is making this very difficult. Do I have a leg to stand on if we get lawyers and I try to get alimony? I'm working part time and going back to school full time in August. Also, I have some health issues and if we get divorced I will be dropped from his insurance.What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

[Proserpina]

You are highly unlikely to get alimony for such a short marriage. You might have to postpone schooling if you can't support yourself.

COBRA will enable you to continue with health insurance (though you'll be responsible for the payments).

You're probably going to be asked why you think you're entitled to alimony - not just here, but if it goes to court. Be prepared for that.

[MominCarolina]

Any debt that was accrued during the marriage should be split 50/50 with the divorce.

Just because the debt is in your name only doesn't mean he gets off the hook.

Even if he is awarded half the debt, still be prepared that he may not pay his obligation. Which in turn could ruin your credit.

Have you tried offering a settlement of 50% debt?

[Bali Hai]

Originally Posted by caribecca

Kansas

My husband and I of 8 months have mutually decided to get a divorce. While married I had credit and he did not. I paid off his car and paid for other things with the understanding that he would pay this off. He is in the military and is currently overseas. I am in KS. We are trying to decide a civil way to do this so that I'm not stuck with all the bills that we both helped build but he is making this very difficult. Do I have a leg to stand on if we get lawyers and I try to get alimony? I'm working part time and going back to school full time in August. Also, I have some health issues and if we get divorced I will be dropped from his insurance.What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

Of course you have health issues.

If you decided to try and "get alimony" and the one-way court awarded you alimony, you wouldn't see a dime of it if I were your ex!

[Proserpina]

Bali, Bali, Bali - you are NOT her ex. Please for the love of all things chocolatey and good, quit using the posts as your soap-box. Your advice in the past has often been nothing short of stellar, but this is just being disruptive, y'know?

C'mon. Pretty please. For this newbie (me) who is really trying to learn a lot here.

[Bali Hai]

Originally Posted by Dogmatique

Bali, Bali, Bali - you are NOT her ex. Please for the love of all things chocolatey and good, quit using the posts as your soap-box. Your advice in the past has often been nothing short of stellar, but this is just being disruptive, y'know?

C'mon. Pretty please. For this newbie (me) who is really trying to learn a lot here.

I stand ready to give you some good lessons!

[Proserpina]

... and I will await your instruction, Bali

OP, I reread your post. While furthering your education is a great thing to do, your ex will not be expected to support you during the process.

Can you afford it yourself?

[TinkerBelleLuvr]

OP:

You were married for less than a year. Are you expecting alimony because you have a uterus? Why do you feel that you deserve alimony?

By the same token, why shouldn't you have to pay alimony to your STBX?

[Proserpina]

I'm going out on a limb here and guessing that OP won't be back (she was around yesterday but didn't post again). Anyway, call me cynical but maybe this is the way OP is viewing things...

Man: Military, somewhat guaranteed steady income.

Woman: working part-time, wants to go to school full time in August and by golly deserves to do so.

Perhaps in OP's eyes he can obviously afford to pay her. She obviously can't afford to pay him AND work only part time AND go to school full time too...

(Alas this thread gave me a very rough case of the Morning Snarks)

[TinkerBelleLuvr]

Dogma - these women irritate me greatly too.

My neighbor's son is going thru a divorce. Mom, who has the earning capacity about 3-4 times of dad is asking for alimony. He's got a good lawyer at his point. That one has asked for the same back. Personally, don't think EITHER of them should get it. But in the case of this mom, it really is a "I have a uterus, therefore, I should get alimony."

My X had also asked for alimony from me. Like - um, no. We both have the same degree. He's actually had more experience in the work field. Just because you choose not to work doesn't mean I should support your sorry tush. Sorry, venting.

Now what did the OP do to support herself prior to the 8 month marriage?