Q: When does the marriage/alimony end/begin? Does it start when you file the motion for dissolution of marriage?
We started divorce proceedings by filing paperwork. My wife, shortly afterwards, had multiple psychotic episodes. She's had to be in multiple hospitals and the bills have started to add up. If I go forward with the divorce, she will lose her health insurance which she needs for medication and therapists. We were married for 15 years. So, will the longer I delay the divorce also delay the alimony payments? I'm trying to do the right thing for her right now, but I'm worried that it will bite me in the behind later on.
A: If spousal maintenance was requested at the time of filing, it can date back to the time of filing. That means that the longer the delay, the higher a potential arrears could be. If you want her to still be eligible for your medical benefits, then you could pursue a legal separation instead.
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