Legal Question in Family Law in North Carolina

Re: Abandoned wife

Unfortunately for spouses in your position, there is no special paperwork that can automatically get spousal support sent to you. The spousal support you would be seeking is called PSS or Post-separation Support. It is a form of alimony that is based on the financial need of the person applying for the assistance, the dependent status of the person applying for the support, and the supporting status of the other party. It is a civil action against your husband and not a public-assistance type mechanism.

Unlike child support, there is no governmental organization that assists people in recieving postseparation support. There is an organization called the Volunteer Lawyers Program which can refer people who are in dire need of assistance to attorneys who are accepting pro bono cases. Find their office in your area and give them a call. They may be able to direct you to someone in your area who can help out.

If your economic situation is such that you need public assistance to pay for essentials, the State of North Carolina may investigate the possibility of recouping the costs from yur husband.