Is a new wife responsible for a husband's alimony?
Asked by: Bernita Johns Sr. | Last update: October 23, 2025Score: 5/5 (33 votes)
In most states—including California, Georgia, New York, and Texas—the obligation to pay alimony automatically ends when the recipient remarries, unless the couple had an agreement otherwise (more on that below). In these states, the paying spouse doesn't have to go back to court to request a new order.
Can my ex go after my new wife's income?
The court will rarely consider the new spouse's income unless: Both biological parents earn too little money to provide for the child's basic needs. A parent voluntarily or intentionally quits work or reduces their income. A parent remains underemployed or unemployed and relies on the new spouse's income.
Can my ex-wife take money from my new wife?
If you have a joint bank account with your new partner, your ex may be able to claim funds from it to cover your missed payments. Generally, if you keep your income and assets separate from your new partner, they are safe from your spousal support payments and legal obligations.
What makes a man have to pay alimony?
Grounds for alimony
Whether or not alimony will be awarded depends on your specific situation. However, spousal support is most often granted when one spouse is financially dependent on the other. This may be because they were a homemaker or raising children or because of their physical and mental ability to work.
Do I have to support my husband if we are separated?
Separated means he has no legal reason to support you. It just means you're living apart. So you're on your own until you get an actual legal divorce. Even then you may not be eligible for any support.
Can A Husband ask for alimony from his Wife?
Do I have to give my wife money if we are separated?
A: You do not have to support your wife during separation or divorce unless it is court-ordered by a judge. However, if the court orders you to pay spousal support, you must pay that support.
Am I obligated to support my wife?
During the separation process, the court may issue temporary orders for spousal support if requested by one of the spouses. These temporary orders can outline the financial responsibilities of each spouse during the separation period until a final resolution is reached through divorce or another legal process.
Does the husband always have to pay alimony?
In California, alimony is not mandatory. However, if one spouse earns significantly more than the other, the court may order them to pay alimony to the lower-earning spouse.
Do I have to support my wife after divorce?
Once a divorce is final, you may receive (or pay) spousal or domestic partner support. This is called permanent or long-term spousal support. This is usually a monthly payment that can last for many years.
Can I go after my ex-husband's new wife for alimony?
As a general rule, the new spouse is not directly liable for the other spouse's alimony.
Can a husband hide money from his wife?
If you suspect your spouse is hiding assets, consult with your attorney to determine the best course of action. Dishonesty in financial disclosures can have severe consequences. Courts view asset hiding seriously, and if discovered, your spouse could face penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment.
Can my ex wife take everything I own?
Most states use common law principles of equitable distribution when deciding who gets what following a divorce. This means that property acquired by one member of a married couple prior to marriage or as a gift or inheritance during the marriage remains their sole or non-marital property.
How can I protect my money from my ex wife?
- Consider a prenup (or a postnup): ...
- Document gifts and inheritances. ...
- Get your timing right if you do decide to leave. ...
- Don't knee-jerk liquidate. ...
- Review your estate plan. ...
- Avoid keeping everything in joint accounts. ...
- But don't hide assets.
Does a wife have to pay her husband's child support?
Yes, women can have to pay child support. In fact, courts are increasingly recognizing that both parents have a financial obligation to support their children, regardless of gender. This includes paying for medical expenses, school costs, childcare costs, and other regular services required by the child.
Can my ex wife take half my money?
In California, a wife is entitled to half of the marital assets and up to 40% of her spouse's income for child support, spousal support, and other terms of the divorce settlement. If you are going through a divorce, it is important to explore the entitlements a wife has and how the final settlements are determined.
Who loses the most in a divorce?
Statistics show that while women initiate divorce almost twice the rate that men do, women are also much more likely to greatly struggle financially after divorce. This is particularly true if children are involved.
Does a husband have to support his wife during separation?
Unlike in a divorce, spouses who are legally separated are still married, though they will also have a larger degree of financial independence compared to when the marriage was still intact. However, much like in a divorce, one spouse may be obligated to pay spousal support to the other while living apart.
Can my husband cut me off financially?
Unfortunately, it is far too common that when clients say it's over, their spouse with the “purse strings” cuts them off financially. This may mean cutting payments to a joint or sole account or refusing to pay the mortgage or school fees.
Can a husband quit his job to avoid alimony?
Involuntary Changes: If the payer voluntarily quits a job or takes a lower-paying position, the court may investigate the motives behind their decision. If the court concludes the reduction in income was an attempt to avoid alimony obligations, they may decide against modifying the alimony.
What if your wife makes more money than you in a divorce?
If a woman earns more money than her husband and he chooses to take lower-paying work so he can raise the couple's children or maintain the household, she may be required to pay him alimony if they divorce. Today, the term “spousal support” has largely replaced “alimony” because of its gendered connotation.
How long do most people get alimony for?
The court will determine how long you or the other party will receive alimony. If you have been married for 20 years or longer, there is no limit to how long you can receive alimony. However, if you were married for less than 20 years, you cannot collect alimony for more than 50% of the length of the marriage.
How long do I have to support my wife after divorce?
This warning and expectation also became part of California's family laws. Generally speaking, spousal support should not last longer than half of the length of the marriage. If you were married for six years, you should expect to receive spousal support for a maximum of three years.
Can a husband withhold money from his wife?
Withholding access to marital funds without cause may constitute financial abuse. This can be considered illegal, especially when used for control or punishment.
Do I have to financially support my husband?
Under the Family Law Act 1975, a person has a responsibility to financially assist their spouse, or former de facto partner, if that person cannot meet their own reasonable expenses from their personal income or assets.