Joint Taxes and Child Support

[deleting profile 0]

I hope this doesn't sound like an insensitive question, but I'm trying to figure out how to handle this situation.

I have significantly more assets than my fiance. He has two children from his former marriage which he shares joint custody with his former wife. He is very involved in his children's lives and pays his child support faithfully as he should. He has had some bad credit issues in the past due to his divorce.

Here's my question. His ex takes him back to court every year to have the child support reassessed. Although she is educated and skilled, she refuses to get a better paying job. Once we are married and join our assets, will his ex wife be able to take advantage of this, or gain access to the assets which I have brought into the marriage? Will his creditors be able to gain access to my assets?

Should I consider keeping the bulk of my assets seperate from his and just have a portion of our assets mixed?

I will be purchasing a house once our visa is approved, should I do this before we are married and keep it solely in my name, or will it automatically become community property once we are married?

I should probably be talking to an attorney, but thought someone here might have some insight into this issue. I have absolutely no problem sharing what I have with my fiance, and his children, it's his ex and creditors that I'm worried about.

Thanks for any input you might have.

[Killer_Clown_2009 0]

I think the laws vary state to state, however in general the spouse's income and assets are not included when determining child support - unless there is a special circumstance, ie your husband quits his job to stay home and you are supporting him. There are also ineritence laws to consider. Your husband's children would probably be entitled to 1/2 of his estate if he were to die. This could include YOUR family home (if his name is on the deed). You might be able to find more information doing a search for the laws in your particular state.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

I should probably be talking to an attorney, ...

[rebeccajo 14]

You're also talking about your ex's wife being able to do so by reaching across borders to tap assets. Not the normal 'modification' scenario.

I think you should speak to an attorney familiar with family law.

Please come back to us when you do. Interesting subject.