Overhaulin'

What should I do about my divorce?

I have several questions concerning a divorce I am going through. If anyone is an attorney, or has legal or divorce experience, that would be great. I feel and have been told that our divorce should be very simple- we were married for just over a year, both of us our college students, no kids, no real estate. We acquired only a few items during our marriage. The day we split up, my wife drained our savings account, not a ton of money, but still relatively a lot for college kids (around $4500.) Now, I have recieved her divorce paperwork, and am preparing my answer. She is asking that I help pay the remainder of the lease in the apartment we were in, even though she is the only one living there. Also, she is asking for $400 dollars a month alimony. I've spoken with a lawyer and he said that if this were to make it to court (let's hope it doesn't) he would be very suprised if a judge ordered alimony in a case like this- not kids, we both are in school, only married a year. Also, he said it is unlikely that i would be required to help pay where she is living, and that a judge would rule that that money she took be split up. I'm hoping if her and I cannot work this out between ourselve that a mediator can. Would a mediator tell her that it is not likely she will get alimony? I would love to keep this out of court, and think that with how simple and low-key it is, we should be able to do that. Also, I have a classic car I've had since I was sixteen that I rebuilt with my father- she put that she wants part of that. My lawyer told me there's no way, because it was mine long before she came into the picture, and since we were married such a short duration, it has not become a marital asset. Anyway, sorry to be so longwinded, I just really would like some opinions and some clarity on this subject, thank you.

Public Comments

1. im surprised if a judge doesnt laugh at this...yes the car was yours before so she cant claim that...if you dont have sufficient income, you will not have to pay her rental...do you have sufficient income? you are both in school...lward..anyway as far as alimony that is pure and true comedy lol...she should have married UP if she was going to do this foolery..as a matter of fact, there is some irony here..What did you do to her??...This is almost like beating a dead horse when hes down and out.. you must have done something most people dont get ridiculous like this especially considering she knew you really have no assets and its only been one year..
2. Your lawyer is right. Your ex is being greedy and unreasonable. Don't give in to her rediculous demands. It's nice that you want the process to be easy and quick, but it doesn't sound like it's going to go that way because of her selfishness. In a divorce if both parties don't agree you will need lawyers to handle any mediation or court. Let your lawyer draft your response and give her nothing, and tell her you want half of the money back.
3. she try to be smart but she's not she can't ask for alimony " min required is 10 years of marriage" you should complain to the fact she drained the saving account and ask at least $2250 back do not sign anything without speak with a lawyer she try to steal from you don't be stupid PS you need to bring her in court and kick her butt..!!
4. Listen to your lawyer. Get a mediator. But, if your wife refuses to go along with this, there's little you can do but go to court. In principle your divorce SHOULD be simple: the classic car is totally yours (an asset acquired before marrying) and at least half the savings (unless you can prove you contributed significantly more). Getting divorced does not mean "automatic" alimony (for either party). Since you're both on more or less the same footing and there's no property or any children involved, this should be a relatively clean split. Why your wife is trying to complicate things makes me wonder why she is so angry. A mediator is there to get both parties to come to an agreement, so don't assume that person will necessarily be saying what you want your wife to hear.
5. She needs some more money You need management. Of course ,Divorce cost much. But, why don't you seek parents advice too.