BurnedbyDivorce
(recently joined)
09/23/10 04:47 PM
Spousal Support Settlement

Wife was awarded 5 years of alimony. I've been paying $600 a month for 2 years as on Sep 1. I have 3 years remaining. Ex-wife posed the idea to her lawyer for a lump sum settlement of $6000 and wave spousal support for the next 3 years, which would equal $21,600.

This settlement idea comes after I found out she has been living with someone she plans on marrying soon and has had a child with him. I've hired an attorney to try to get the alimony reduced or dropped all together. She nows I have an attorney, so that is where this is coming from.

What do y'all think? Take it or pay $2500 retainer fee and fight to get it dropped all together? I would be paying $600 a month until we went to court.


DedicatedDad
(veteran)
09/23/10 04:52 PM
Re: Spousal Support Settlement

You only need an attorney to look at the decree once you amend it. You only have to change a couple sentences. It should cost no more than a few hundred.

googledad
(Carpal \'Tunnel)
09/23/10 04:52 PM
Re: Spousal Support Settlement

What state ? Not all will terminate support due to cohabitation .

BurnedbyDivorce
(recently joined)
09/23/10 05:01 PM
Re: Spousal Support Settlement

California

Miranda
(Carpal \'Tunnel)
09/23/10 05:02 PM
Re: Spousal Support Settlement

[quote]California [/quote]


In California, everything goes. There is a lady on here that has cohabitated for years in the Bay area and continued to collect alimony from her former spouse.

Have you actually spoken to your attorney regarding it?


googledad
(Carpal \'Tunnel)
09/23/10 05:06 PM
Re: Spousal Support Settlement

IN CA cohabitation isn't automatic grounds for termination , it gives rise to a rebuttable presumption, affecting the burden of proof, of decreased need for spousal support.

DedicatedDad
(veteran)
09/23/10 08:10 PM
Re: Spousal Support Settlement

The OP isn't looking for a reduction. His ex has offered to reduce the amount to a lesser amount with a lump sum payment, probably as she wants to get married now, and this could be used as grounds as eliminate alimony.

googledad
(Carpal \'Tunnel)
09/23/10 09:48 PM
Re: Spousal Support Settlement

The OP isn't looking for a reduction.

>>>>>>>> That's not what he said in his original post .

His ex has offered to reduce the amount to a lesser amount with a lump sum payment, probably as she wants to get married now, and this could be used as grounds as eliminate alimony.

>>>>>>>> Marriage would terminate the award . He could pay the $6000 and move on , try to wait her out and hope she get's married in less than 10 months ( another $6000 ) or motion to modify/terminate while paying a retainer AND support till the trial ( at a MINIMUM 6 months after filing ) with no guarantee of success and the POTENTIAL of legal fees in EXCESS of $6000 .


googledad
(Carpal \'Tunnel)
09/23/10 11:29 PM
Re: Spousal Support Settlement

Wife was awarded 5 years of alimony. I've been paying $600 a month for 2 years as on Sep 1. I have 3 years remaining. Ex-wife posed the idea to her lawyer for a lump sum settlement of $6000 and wave spousal support for the next 3 years, which would equal $21,600.

>>>> There's no reason you can't make a counteroffer for less .


1966Gal
(Carpal \'Tunnel)
09/27/10 01:15 PM
Re: Spousal Support Settlement

You might as well try to negotiate for less, but if you can't, I'd jump at that deal. You can pay $600 a month for 36 months = $21,600 or $6000 now and get out of it once and for all. It's a no-brainer.

"Why" she wants a lump-sum settlement doesn't matter. What does matter is the $15,6000 you will save. You are being offered a great deal, and I don't think it matters if it's because she wants to get married or out of the goodness of her heart. Bottom-line, it's money in your pocket.

You shouldn't need $2500 in lawyers fees. Have your lawyer write it up. Shouldn't take more than a hour or two of his/her time.


hanzblinx
(enthusiast)
09/27/10 03:13 PM
Re: Spousal Support Settlement

If she offers 6K you offer 4K.

yregna
(veteran)
09/28/10 03:48 PM
Re: Spousal Support Settlement

Make sure your ex knows she will forever be looking over her shoulder, and that someday you intend to gouge the alimony $$ out of her empty eye sockets.

Your choice if that happens before / after she expires...


BurnedbyDivorce
(recently joined)
10/15/10 11:55 PM
Re: Spousal Support Settlement

LOL!!! You have no idea. :) If only there wasn't a body of water between us.

BurnedbyDivorce
(recently joined)
10/15/10 11:59 PM
Re: Spousal Support Settlement

I offered $5K to terminate support and all payments made until agreement be deducted from that amount. According to "my" attorney, "her" attorney agreed to the $5K. My attorney sent her attorney's wife, who happens to be his secretary, a copy of the agreement to look over. The wife, told the ex of the proposal, who then said "No... counter with $7K." I say... NO DEAL!!! $5K of bust... I will spend that money on lawyer fees to have it dropped to zero before I give her a penny more.

BurnedbyDivorce
(recently joined)
10/16/10 12:01 AM
Re: Spousal Support Settlement

Right... no need for $2500+ in lawyer fees. She has agreed to waive the retainer and just charge to draft up the paperwork. It's still adding up though. I had no idea that attorneys charge for every little thing. Phone calls answered, made... emails read, drafted... etc. Spent close to $300 last month just on this stuff.

BurnedbyDivorce
(recently joined)
10/16/10 12:03 AM
Re: Spousal Support Settlement

BTW... I sent an Income and Expense declaration over a month and a half ago to her. Still nothing back. My lawyer is threatening contempt. Maybe that will motivate her.

Goodmom
(Pooh-Bah)
10/16/10 06:28 AM
Re: Spousal Support Settlement

[quote]I offered $5K to terminate support and all payments made until agreement be deducted from that amount. According to "my" attorney, "her" attorney agreed to the $5K. My attorney sent her attorney's wife, who happens to be his secretary, a copy of the agreement to look over. The wife, told the ex of the proposal, who then said "No... counter with $7K." I say... NO DEAL!!! $5K of bust... I will spend that money on lawyer fees to have it dropped to zero before I give her a penny more. [/quote]

You really aren't in a good bargaining position. Your ex does not have to settle at all.

And then you will be paying more than $7K.

Of course, that's your choice.


scaredwoman
(newbie)
10/18/10 08:40 AM
Re: Spousal Support Settlement

wow, I need to know how these women are screwing the men!!! I am dealing with a husband who has a judge niece, and he is getting so much help!!! I brought everything into the marriage, spent inheritance money this Spring and summer, and I am the one out in cold!!!!


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