numbers aren't adding up

[burned_out]

been trying to figure out a settlement and the monthly budget numbers just aren't cutting it for me to establish another place to be. covering the current household obligations, all the debt, living expenses barely leave enough for rent and a coffee at the end of the month. wonder if i can hack it for a year / 18 months until the support winds down. an 11 year marriage with the majority of that having STBX as a SAHM has done great things for my daughter, nothing for my financial stability. without getting into the actual numbers I'm really not looking for specifics, but would like to hear if anyone in my position has managed to pull this off for a period of time without going insane. I dont' see how I can go though with this living under the same roof for any long period of time. Sickens me.


Cases in my county have done the spousal support for anywhere from a year, 5 yrs, and more, and since my lawyer was the master of family court for the past several years, he has a good feel for what a ruling would come out if my case goes that far. So I'm looking at doing something, and keeping her and my kid in the same area for now seems the best solution for me unless i walk away from the house. I don't see that as an option. No way to refi its 30% underwater.

[blueTexas]

You should not have to provide 100 percent of your stbx's support. She should be required to get a job. The experience of your lawyer should be useful in determining what can be expected. See if he can use his connections in your favor.
Also, you should consider forgoing debt repayment if it looks insurmountable-- up to and including walking away from an expensive house- but don't do this this until after custody has been determined and divorce finalized.
Bankruptcy IS AN OPTION for you. However child support and alimony obligations are usually not eliminated.