Legal Question in Family Law in Iowa

What can I expect to receive (financially) from my ex?

My husband and I have been separated (living in separate residences) for a year now. We plan to use the same lawyer (if possible) and I would like to know (legally) what I can expect before I meet with the attorney so I can decide if I would like to obtain my own.

My husband moved out of our house, and at the time we were behind on many bills including our mortgage. At the time, I was just out of college and only making $19,000/year. My husband was earning at least $40,000. Because I could not keep up with the bills I had to take an FHA loan out to repay the mortgage (which continued to accumulate until this last January) totalling $6,000. My husband has agreed to sign the house over to me, but I think that he should be responsible for repaying me for at least SOME of the bills that I had to repay or receive the loan for. He does not think that he is responsible because he has not actually lived there for the past year. On top of that, we borrowed $5,000 from a family member of mine for a down payment on the house, which he thinks I should solely be responsible for. As of June 14th, we will be married for 3 years. Could you tell me what (if anything) I may be legally entitled to receive from my ex? Thank you!


Asked on 4/27/06, 12:15 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert Luedeman solo practitioner

Re: What can I expect to receive (financially) from my ex?

What you will receive is up to the court, as we are in an equitable distribution state. All debts and assets acquired during the course of the marriage are on the table.

Because there are significant assets and debts at issue I would NOT recommend using the same attorney.

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Answered on 4/27/06, 12:55 pm


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