Rights of Sick Spouse

[letbene]

California.

My friend just found out her father has cancer. Her parents have been living separately for a long time now (probably about twenty years) but they never got divorced and never filed for legal separation either. My friend is worried that her mother will try to step in and take control of all her father's assets, etc. Is this legally possible since they are still technically married? What steps should her father take to prevent this? Does he need to file for divorce or is there something else he can do?

Thanks for any help.

:>) Laurie

[seniorjudge]

Q: My friend is worried that her mother will try to step in and take control of all her father's assets, etc. Is this legally possible since they are still technically married?

A: Yes, because they are still married, technically and non-technically.


Q: What steps should her father take to prevent this? Does he need to file for divorce or is there something else he can do?

A: Pa should file for divorce if he wants shut of the woman.