financial obligation dani123: My husband and I have a joint checking account which all the bills are paid from. I'm preparing to leave without his knowledge (have tried to prepare him for this several times, but the threatening attitude he has displayed has made me back down each time), and want to know what my obligations are. We have a lease in both of our names, the car is in his name and the insurance paperwork for the car and rental agreement is in his name. I'm leaving with only what is really and truly mine: my furniture, my clothing, and my debt. However, my income, which is slightly higher than his, is coming with me. Can he sue to make me pay rent, even though I have tried to find a way to make us both financially secure in this separation? I'm wondering if a court would find in favor of him since he refused counselling, refused to work out some sort of separation agreement (he said separartion means divorce and we cut off ALL ties), and refuses to discuss the financial problems he might encounter. I told him I wanted to make sure he would be financially okay without me and the response I received was "why do you care? You'll be gone."
Should I stay just to protect both me and him financially? Together we are having trouble because of his huge debt and problems with spending. Separately I would be able to manage just fine without the car and in a smaller apartment.
I'll take any and all suggestions.
Re: financial obligation Finley: Dani123,
What I suggest you do is go see an attorney. He/she will be able to explain everything to you and make you feel more comfortable. If you name is on the lease, car loan, credit cards, etc, you are both responsible for it. If one of you doesn't pay it, the other one suffers as well. The best case scenario is that you all come to an agreement in writing that sets out who does what and who takes care of what. But many legal issues depend on what state you are in. A lawyer can really help you sort it out. In my opinion, staying solely for financial reasons is bad. It seems really complicated right now, but it can be sorted out with help.
Good luck.
