Financial responsibility prior to separation agreement

I am separated from my wife and moved out of the martial home over two months ago. Even though we have agreed on the basics of a settlement for the separation agreement, my wife has been unwilling to follow through with the agreement. She is currently unemployed and living in the martial home. I have continued to pay all of the bills both for the home and her personal expenses. However, with the separation agreement not moving forward, I was wondering what are my financial obligations during this time until an agreement is signed?

Any guidance would be helpful!

Without a separation agreement or court order, you have no contractual or court-ordered responsibility to pay your wife anything. However, it’s usually a good idea to make voluntary support payments if you are a supporting spouse and your wife is a dependent spouse.


Anna Ayscue

Attorney with Rosen Law Firm Cary • Chapel Hill • Durham • Raleigh • Wake Forest

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