A Few Questions

[amaFL]

What is the name of your state? FL

I am a student. I am not currently employed, but I have applications out. My mom is extremely disabled – physically and mentally. I am the only person living with her right now and I am trying to take care of her physically. When I had a job, I paid a lot of her finances.

My dad is active duty in the Army, but he will be getting out in about a year. He has already said that he “won’t be able” to support us because he will be making less money. He hasn’t divorced my mom yet, but he plans to at that time. He has legally committed adultery (should be provable in FL state law because he has bought cell phones and things for his girlfriend and her kids from marital funds, and my brother, my sister, and I know her). My mom tried to kill herself when she found out about his girlfriend, so I’m worried about what would happen if they were divorced.

My mom took her first shower in about a month yesterday, and I had to make her do that, but she usually won’t listen to me. I can’t legally force her to shower, but she’s really unhealthy. She has also said that she won’t go into a nursing home because she doesn’t think she needs it. She lays in bed in the dark all day (she has barely left her room in a year and a half) and stares at the wall or the ceiling. Sometimes she puts the TV on, but she doesn’t usually watch it. She has gone through periods of eating very little and has been hospitalized several times.

My questions are:

Can he divorce her if she is totally disabled?

Where would the responsibility of taking care of her fall? (I live with her, but would I have to provide for her?)

If they divorce next year, as is his plan, and he stops paying rent where my mom and I live, is there anything that can be done to get financial help?

Is there a way to get her put into a nursing home if she is incapable of taking care of herself?

Thanks!

[seniorjudge]

Q: Can he divorce her if she is totally disabled?

A: Yes, but if she is mentally incompetent, there will need to be a guardianship set up for her.



Q: Where would the responsibility of taking care of her fall? (I live with her, but would I have to provide for her?)

A: The court in the divorce lawsuit and the guardianship lawsuit would determine that. Pa may be required to pay her alimony.


Q: If they divorce next year, as is his plan, and he stops paying rent where my mom and I live, is there anything that can be done to get financial help?

A: Check with the welfare folks and get a job.


Q: Is there a way to get her put into a nursing home if she is incapable of taking care of herself?

A: Yes; if you have not done so already and if ma is eligible, you should file for Social Security disability.