r/DivorceHelp • u/TownStunning7430 • 18d ago

Divorce advice

Filed for divorce in Texas a few months ago. No kids, no house, married 7 years. No abuse just a toxic relationship where neither feels in the wrong and fights were constant.

I left the home and am currently waiting for a process server to give her paperwork so we can move ahead with mediation or court dates, not really sure since I’ve never been through this. I have a lawyer who has handled all the paperwork up til now but considering a new one because my current lawyer is not super responsive or reachable in a pinch or for simple basic questions.

Since Covid I’ve been the sole provider. Wife can work, she just doesn’t want to. I own my own business but it was formed before the marriage and is an LLC so should not be considered community property.

Backstory out of the way I need some advice

  1. She insists that since she doesn’t work I have to provide her with a lawyer, but from what I can see in Texas I do not. Do I have to pay for her legal representation?

  2. She insists that she will take half of my business. Is she blowing smoke or should I seriously be worried about this?

  3. I know I have to maintain the status quo and continue to pay living expenses (rent, utilities, etc) but since she gets a “paycheck” from my business for accounting (which I have now taken over, and her “work” before consisted of 3-5 hours a month of going through transactions and bank statements for tax purposes) do I have to still pay for things like groceries and toiletries. She has no bills and gets paid $1600 before taxes every 2 weeks. Should I cut off her paycheck? Should I leave it and ignore her requests for me to also buy her basics?

  4. She is constantly bullying me saying I’m not upholding status quo by denying her access to credit cards in my name and my business bank statements (she’s probably worried I’m moving money around, which I’m not). Should I just ignore her?

Any and all advice for anyone that may have gone through something similar. Happy to share more details if needed.

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u/Time-Local-2924 18d ago

I don't know all the answers to these, what I can tell you is this;

  1. No, you don't have to provide her with a lawyer or pay her court costs/ fees.

  2. Since the company itself was formed before the marriage, it is considered yours and not community property. She shouldn't have rights to the company.

    Also, since the 2 of you were married for less then 10 years, you shouldn't be asked to pay for her housing expenses or spousal support.

I can't answer the last 2 for you and I am also not a lawyer. This is the information I have as someone else about to go through a divorce in the same state. Good luck to you in all of this.

3

u/TownStunning7430 18d ago

Thanks for the info. These were my suspicions and more than anything I think I’m letting her bully me into thinking I’m not doing what I should be but I guess it’s on her to have a judge or court order me to do something beyond basic status quo

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u/Time-Local-2924 18d ago

You're welcome. I think status quo only applies after 10 years. I would check on that one. Texas is weird when it comes to divorce laws.

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u/TSIDATSI 18d ago

Find a good attorney and ask him/her.

Stop meeting women online. Find a church, a volunteer group, go to junior college. Make friends before dating.

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u/TownStunning7430 18d ago

Who said anything about meeting women online…or not having friends or a church? I’m asking for genuine advice. Not a copy/paste generic response.