Alimony and SSDI

[mbm]

What is the name of your state? West Virginia

My wife is mentally ill (Bi Polar - Severe), she has been admitted twice in the last year to an inpatient psychiatric hospital, and has been qualified for SSDI for about 2.5 to 3 years.
We have a 4 year old child and have been married for about 5 years.
I have been taking care of her, and I know she will have a hard time on her own, but I am to the breaking point of how much more I can put up with.
I am considering divorce, but she does not want to since she basically does nothing but sit around, watching TV, reading, and spending money on QVC all day, and thinks her condition entitles her to such a life, devoid of all responsibility for either her actions or for household duties.
She agrees that if we separated custody would go to me, since she cannot care for our child on her own. Since she does not want a divorce she tells me she heard that since she is disabled I would be forced to pay her alimony of half my income forever, or as long as she continues to be disabled.

Is this true?
I earn about $95,000 per year, and her SSDI is about $1000 per month.

 

[dianellen]

My SO's ex got everything he owned plus lifetime alimony. The court can garnish your salary for up to 60% of your net pay for alimony. She has a college degree and a full time job too! He stoped sending her checks in March 2001, he quit his job and now she is sueing him. Court date is next month and we are gong to try to terminate alimony if they say no too bad....we are not paying it. We are in another state so I don't know how far the courts will go, we may move to Mexico.

 

[ellencee]

dianellen
Surely that response was not a serious one! If it is, start packing and looking forward to some really hard times, either here in the US or in Mexico.
'We' is not applicable in this situation, but your husband is in contempt of a court order. I wouldn't be looking for a good day in the courtroom.
I'm afraid realilty is about to slam itself into your world.

mbm
Set some limits, man! You aren't helping her by letting her become such a person. Block QVC; take away her buying power; talk with her MD and counselors! As a nurse, I must give you that bit of advice! (bet you've heard it before and tried it, too!)
You have to do what is best for your child and that's not my call.

I understand your desire to divorce and that may be what you need to do. You could end up paying alimony, and I will defer that to IAAL.

IAAL
No wonder you don't like my California 'ribs'. I read that post! The truth is, I've always thought it was hysterical that my family so feared California! I'd love to see the Pacific Ocean, but I'm more inclined to dream of Northern California than Southern California, so don't worry, I don't think LA is in my future!)