Legal Question in Family Law in Illinois

I married a man whose son is handicapped and has a large trust fund. the man recently went to court as the house he lives in is being sold and is owned by the trust. The judge asked for my last tax return, as we have only been married a short time. I do not feel it is any of their business what I make the trust is to take care of my husbands son, I do not have access to his trust and have no interest in it. The judge wants to make sure we are not going to be living off the trust, which we have not intention of doing. I work will continue to work and pay my share of expenses, I do not believe this is any of the court business. am I legally bound to hand over my finances to this judge or to the bank controlling this trust?


Asked on 5/06/10, 8:42 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Stephen Messutta

Maybe not, but without looking at the trust documents, court pleadings and all other relevant documents, it would be irresponsible for anyone in this forum to form a legal opinion for your benefit. For all we know, the trust document may require "all sources" of potential support to be considered for the son's benefit, including social security disability income, your paycheck as spouse and other sources that may fall into that or another category. If your husband failed to explain the situation to you before you two married, well, things happen. Do you feel you were you falsely induced into marriage? Was there an antenuptial agreement that kept your assets totally separate from his? We don't know. You need to have an attorney look over everything, ask more questions and then maybe you can get the information and help you need.

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Answered on 5/12/10, 7:46 am


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