Q&A

Can I divorce my disabled spouse?

Can I divorce my disabled spouse?

When you or your spouse has a disability of any type, it can add additional stress to a marriage and can even result in divorce. Some would say that marriage vows are made ”in sickness and in health” but sometimes that just is not possible and it is better for the whole family that a separation takes place.

How long does a spouse have to be gone for abandonment?

A spouse who leaves the marital home after an argument and remains gone for days or even weeks has not legally abandoned the spouse if he or she returns. Spousal abandonment is a desertion without cause that continues for a specific length of time, usually one year.

Does spousal support affect disability payments?

Alimony won’t affect the amount you receive in SSDI benefits, but disability benefits are a factor in determining the amount of alimony you receive. Alimony payments are based on the spouse’s financial needs, earning potential and ability to work.

Is disability considered income in divorce?

When calculating alimony, SSDI payments are considered income, while SSI is not. VA disability benefits may not be considered when dividing marital property. In any case, VA benefits are considered income when determining support obligations.

Is disability income subject to alimony?

For those receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, a divorce won’t affect those payments. However, SSDI benefits may be garnished to pay child support or alimony following a divorce. And if you were receiving spousal SSDI benefits during your marriage, those payments will remain the same.

How does disability affect alimony?

Can a spouse get paid for taking care of a disabled spouse?

The short answer to the question, “Can I be paid as a caregiver for my spouse,” is yes. Medicare does not pay spouses to care for their elderly or disabled partners. If you are seeking to be paid as a caregiver for a loved one, but are not married to them, they are many additional options.

What do you need to know about spousal abandonment?

Spousal abandonment is a desertion without cause that continues for a specific length of time, usually one year. Both the abandoned spouse, as well as the abandoning spouse, will feel the financial effects of spousal abandonment.

What should I do if my spouse is disabled?

Solutions can vary from having the assistance of a family member to hiring a caregiver. While you should not remain in a failing marriage that makes you unhappy, you will definitely need to consider the higher rates of spousal support.

When does spousal support for a disabled spouse end?

Spousal support is often considered permanent in these situations, at least until your spouse has a change in disability status, remarries, or receives new or additional benefits, which would change the necessity of your spousal support.

Can a spouse leave a marriage for Constructive abandonment?

If one spouse intentionally makes life insufferable for the other, giving the other spouse no choice but to leave, he or she has committed constructive abandonment. Many acts or refusals may give legal grounds for a victim-spouse to leave the marriage and home.