Remarriage and Child Support

[paranoid]

I am a single mother with 2 kids living in NJ. I am gainfully employed, and have established a comfortable lifestyle for myself and my children through my hard work (no help from another soul). I own a home, and make more money than my fiance'. He started living with me as soon as we got engaged. When he left his ex-wife and 3 children, he left all his possessions righteously to them (this was before we even met). He walked into my life and house quite empty-handed. Now, his children and my fiance' seem to think that they will automatically share in the ownership of my house that I bought for me and my children. I don't want to be rude, but, I am not willing to give up my life's hard-work just like that! Especially since he has nothing to offer to make it equitable. He pays a good amount towards child support to his ex-wife, and still bears a lot of additional expenses for his children. I am afraid that I am going to be taken advantage of in this situation. I want to protect my assets and estate for my children. Is it possible to be married to a person and not share in all their assets and liabilities? I am also afraid that once we are married, the ex-wife will ask for higher child support to match our life-style. I need to know if I will in any way be obligated to provide for his children. Thank you!

 

[scottishgal]

remarriage and child support

Paranoid,
Before marrying this guy, I would have a prenuptual agreement drawn up so that you can protect your assets for your children. If he won't sign it, I wouldn't marry him. Regarding his child support, your salary shouldn't have anything to do with it, they may ask for your tax records together once you are filing together, but they can't consider your salary in his child support. Hope this helps.

 

[VeronicaGia]

Paranoid

First, establish a prenuptial agreement. Get a lawyer to help you with this and with a living revocable trust that becomes irrevocable upon your death. with a pour over will for anything that can't be put into the trust. Whether or not you marry this person, you should get a trust or will or something.

If he has just moved in, and you are already this worried, I would not get married. It sounds like you will be carrying him, and you've worked so hard.