Hi, new here and looking for some advice on a VERY touchy subject between my (possible future) wife and myself.
We live in Virginia and she has a nine year old son who she had in a previous relationship. She was never married to the father, but he managed to take her to court, take full custody of the child and have her pay him child support. He also lives in Virginia. The father is a deadbeat that can rarely hold down a job. She is a full time student and can usually only find part-time jobs during the summer. She has fallen extremely behind on payments. When the father does get a payment, it's squandered on video games, alcohol and other useless garbage.
What I need to know is, if she and I were to marry, could he legally come after me for the payments when she cannot pay them? Do I become legally responsible because our finances would become one in the state's eyes?
Up until now, I have always refused to chip in any money because I knew exactly where it was going when he got it. I have a $50K+ per year job. I work very hard for that money and makes me sick to the stomach to think it could be forcefully taken from me and handed to this guy. I also own a small business under an LLC banner and I am afraid he could try to come after that asset, as well.
His lawyer did a real number in court on her and really painted her as a horrible mother. He managed to get the court's sympathy and that is why she is where she is today in this matter. I could see him using the same tactics to come after me and I want to avoid it. Even if that means walking away from her and not asking for marriage.
Thanks, in advance!
We live in Virginia and she has a nine year old son who she had in a previous relationship. She was never married to the father, but he managed to take her to court, take full custody of the child and have her pay him child support. He also lives in Virginia. The father is a deadbeat that can rarely hold down a job. She is a full time student and can usually only find part-time jobs during the summer. She has fallen extremely behind on payments. When the father does get a payment, it's squandered on video games, alcohol and other useless garbage.
What I need to know is, if she and I were to marry, could he legally come after me for the payments when she cannot pay them? Do I become legally responsible because our finances would become one in the state's eyes?
Up until now, I have always refused to chip in any money because I knew exactly where it was going when he got it. I have a $50K+ per year job. I work very hard for that money and makes me sick to the stomach to think it could be forcefully taken from me and handed to this guy. I also own a small business under an LLC banner and I am afraid he could try to come after that asset, as well.
His lawyer did a real number in court on her and really painted her as a horrible mother. He managed to get the court's sympathy and that is why she is where she is today in this matter. I could see him using the same tactics to come after me and I want to avoid it. Even if that means walking away from her and not asking for marriage.
Thanks, in advance!