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How much money do I have to give my wife while we are separated? Texas

Asked in Dallas, TX - 7 months

We recently separated due to her infidelity, and she is living in our house with our 1 child and her jobless, disabled mother. I am staying with friends for now. We have been married 5 years and she has no job. She is capable of working but decided to be a stay at home mom a few years ago. I plan to file for divorce, but until then, what do I legally have to provide for her? I read somewhere that I have to give her half of my income after bills. Is this correct?

Attorney Answers (3)

Mark Anthony Cohan

Mark Anthony Cohan

Dallas Divorce / Separation Lawyer

Licensed in TX

Answered 7 months ago. That is not correct. You don't have to give her anything until a court order is in place awarding her support. However, a judge has some discretion in awarding temporary spousal support and not providing for her now (and letting the bills pile up) may come back to bite you in the future.

I would strongly suggest consulting a local attorney to discuss your options.
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Howard M Lewis

Howard M Lewis

Framingham Divorce / Separation Lawyer

Answered 7 months ago. I am sorry that you are going through this. Attorney Cohan gave you outstanding advice. Unless and until there is a court order you don't have to provide anything, although if you do not help you may not look very nice to the court. The issue is really your child and what is in the child's best interest, please make sure that your child is well fed, cared for and healthy, that is paramount and I am sure surpasses all other issues in your life. Take care and please don't forget to remember veternans day this upcoming Monday, it is a very important date. I hope things work out for your family.
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Elizabeth Durso Branch

Elizabeth Durso Branch

Rockwall Family Law Attorney

Licensed in TX

Answered 7 months ago. Ultimately, the Court will order you to pay support for your child--in Texas--if you have just the one child, 20% of your net resources. You will be required to have some health care coverage for the child--if you have it through your employer at a reasonable cost, then make sure the child is covered. I say that with a caveat, you have a duty in Texas to provide your spouse with necessaries. If she were to have a health issues while you two are married, you could be held responsible for the bill. If you are obligated on the mortgage, is it worth the risk to ruin your credit? There are so many issues here that are worthy of a consultation with an attorney. Depending on your earnings , resources, and income, the Court may order temporary payment of certain expenses "as interim spousal support." The Court may limit the period of time for which you are responsible for interim support. Your inquiry, while it appears to be general in nature, cannot be specifically answered in this forum. Additionally, there is a wide spectrum of possible results. Please call an attorney to discuss your legal obligations and rights.
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