Q: After 40 years of marriage, my husband left to live with his partner's wife. He has been gone for 18 years.
In 2002,he had just sold his business for two million dollars. So had his partner. He left in 2008 .He gave me the house, and $300,000. He took the money. He said that it was an equal split. I was a dummy and trusted him, and did not get all this on paper. Now he says he is broke, and will not sign the quit claim so I can sell the house since I have almost run out of money. I had to pay taxes he owed on a large amount he cashed out, and two years of taxes he told me he took care of, and the penalties that had piled up on all that was owed. I had to make many repairs on my 45 year old home, and being retired, I had to have money to live on. I have proof of the money he took. We are still married since he left immediately after we split. I have not spoken to him since he left. what should I do?
A:
It sounds like you're facing a complex and difficult situation. Given your circumstances, it's essential to seek legal advice from a family law attorney. They can help you understand your rights and options regarding the division of assets and potential spousal support, especially considering the long duration of your marriage and the financial disparities that have arisen since the separation.
Since you are still legally married, you may have claims to a portion of the assets accumulated during the marriage, including the business sale proceeds. An attorney can assist you in evaluating the division of assets and whether the initial agreement was equitable. They can also guide you in addressing the issue of the quitclaim deed for the house.
The fact that you have proof of the money he took could be crucial in your case. It's important to gather all relevant financial documents and records. Your attorney can help you with the legal process to potentially recover your fair share of marital assets and address the tax liabilities.
Lastly, considering the length of your separation and the current state of your finances, it's important to act promptly. Legal proceedings can take time, and the sooner you start, the sooner you may be able to resolve these issues.
A: use the find a lawyer tab on this website and search for a family lawyer near you. You will want to gather all your documents and consult with the attorney one on one to get the best advice given your situation.
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