Frustrated Deb
Junior Member
I am in Florida. Got married in April 2017, and it turns out my husband didn't want to be married. Basically, he had one foot out of the door from the beginning. But, he moved in with me, started a health insurance business (which I understand under Florida law is marital property and half mine). He barely contributed to household expenses while building this business, and started hiding money. As soon as he was financially able, he moved out with no notice, while the kids and I were at a football game. This was 6 1/2 months into the marriage.
He left a letter that outlined financial support, as well as payment for my health insurance and a few other expenses. My van had been transferred to his name, and he outlined that it would be transfered back to me in Jan.
For 2 months, he made payments before they stopped. He let my health insurance expire within a month, and he has refused to give me ownership of my vehicle (the tags are now expired and in his name).
I have texted, called and emailed him about this. The long and the short of it is that he has stated that he is not paying another penny, and refuses to do anything about the van or the health insurance. He said that he only offered it "put of the kindness of his heart", and has no obligation to us.
We are still married, no one has filed for divorce, and he has really put our family in a lurch. He refuses any contact.
My question is whether this signed and dated letter is enforceable, and if so, whether I should file it in family court or small claims as a breach of contract.
A bit of history - I am his fifth wife. He has left every single one of his wives, usually off with another woman, and though he has 4 children he only knows one of them. He supports two by court order, but is very behind. He lost parental rights to another. Just want you to get a picture of the scoundrel that I am dealing with. His marriage vows mean nothing more to him than a means to an end. In my case, he used me to get on his feet financially and took any financial success with him.
My hope is that he gets the consequences that he deserves. My goal is to collect the amount that he promised as a sort of separation agreement, and then pursue half of the business in the divorce. I simply can't afford to retain a divorce attorney yet.
Thoughts?
He left a letter that outlined financial support, as well as payment for my health insurance and a few other expenses. My van had been transferred to his name, and he outlined that it would be transfered back to me in Jan.
For 2 months, he made payments before they stopped. He let my health insurance expire within a month, and he has refused to give me ownership of my vehicle (the tags are now expired and in his name).
I have texted, called and emailed him about this. The long and the short of it is that he has stated that he is not paying another penny, and refuses to do anything about the van or the health insurance. He said that he only offered it "put of the kindness of his heart", and has no obligation to us.
We are still married, no one has filed for divorce, and he has really put our family in a lurch. He refuses any contact.
My question is whether this signed and dated letter is enforceable, and if so, whether I should file it in family court or small claims as a breach of contract.
A bit of history - I am his fifth wife. He has left every single one of his wives, usually off with another woman, and though he has 4 children he only knows one of them. He supports two by court order, but is very behind. He lost parental rights to another. Just want you to get a picture of the scoundrel that I am dealing with. His marriage vows mean nothing more to him than a means to an end. In my case, he used me to get on his feet financially and took any financial success with him.
My hope is that he gets the consequences that he deserves. My goal is to collect the amount that he promised as a sort of separation agreement, and then pursue half of the business in the divorce. I simply can't afford to retain a divorce attorney yet.
Thoughts?