Really need some help here please... i am in the army, living overseas and my wife and i have just separated. She is now back in UK, living with her folks. We both agreed to move abroad with my job and she gave up her job to come with me. I am paid extra for living in a foreign country and she has now stated that she wants half of my wage each month, which is to include my additional allowances, until june next year when i am due to return. She is young, fit,healthy and could easily get a job. I am prepared to offer her a proportion of my wage until she gains employment. She has no overheads. I feel morally obliged to give her some money, but not half... i have overheads and she doesn't, but she is not taking this into consideration. Where do i stand legally? We were married for 2 years and were living togehter abroad for 1 year before separating - she did not work whilst here - her choice. Please help me!

Hi there

After such a short marriage your obligation to pay would be time limited, so that she can find her feet.

In terms of what you should pay, that is her need balanced against your disposable income. Make her an offer of what you think is right and see if she wants to be sensible, or arrange a free half hour phone consult for legal advice - the no at the top of the page do it by phone, or you can search the net for other sols that will work with you that way.

Take care
Amanda

Amanda - many thanks. My disposble income from my basic wage, less the overseas-allowances is £1500. I have offered £600 until Dec 08, reducing to £300 until Mar 09. Thereafter, nil. She wants £1175 per month, which i think is pretty high - is there a reasonable proportion in these cases to offer?

Thanks again

With no outgoings hun, what you are offering seems reasonable, as does the reduction. She is going to have to face the fact that she has to get a job sooner rather than later.

With any luck she will take some legal advice herself and soon realise her position.

Amanda

She can also sign on and get job seekers allowance. I wish someone would pay me not to work.