Legal Question in Family Law in New York

My girlfriend is an exploited housewife

My best friend is in a marriage for a bit over 1 year in NY state. She married a widow with a small child who is a bit problematic. She does everything that is required, cleaning, cooking daily, attending the child who improved a lot since she is there. (Before she went there, the man had a nanny for $400/week, of course she was released after the wedding.) Unfortunately, my friend gets nothing in return, only $60/month to spend on herself. The full-time shchool that her husband had promised her got reduced to a part-time one, & he says that if she is not happy with the fact that she has something to eat & there is roof above her head she is welcome to leave. Otherwise he only talks about his ex-wife, their romantic life equals zero. In case of a divorce, is my friend entitled to anything, such as alamony or any pay-out? Is there a difference who files for a divorce & on what grounds? My friend is hopeless, right now she cannot even afford a lawyer & I do not know myself what she is entitled for after over 1 year ''marriage'' Thank you for your help.


Asked on 10/09/03, 3:01 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Phroska L. McAlister PHROSKA LEAKE McALISTER

Re: My girlfriend is an exploited housewife

To the extent your friend substanially changed her circumstance/s to accomodate her husband and child, she may be entitled to something to put her in the position she would {might) have been in, had she not married, and stayed home with the child.

Your friend should leave this marriage and situation ASAP, get a job and get on with her life, before the child becomes more attached and further traumatized by the loss of 2 mothers.

Other than the affection for the child, your friend is not YET obligated to support this child.

If she stays around too long, the courts are now, (for reasons unclear to me) sometimes imposing child support upon Stepparents.

GOOD LUCK.

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Answered on 10/11/03, 11:59 pm


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