I divorced my ex-husband and was awarded custody and permission to move out of state.
I
left the west coast to drive back to Minnesota and my 7 year-old was
shot in a random act of violence while we were in a tourist shop. My
child survived and recovery took a while. My other child, 3 yrs old,
had night terrors for years afterward and was later diagnosed with high
functioning autism. My career was jeopardized due to lack of daycare
for my son--eventually worked from home as writer/ editor, but at a
loss of salary. (I made more than ex at time we met).
My ex
then moved back to MN, but was abusive again, charged, and required to
parenting classes etc., later had his record expunged. Then I got
cancer and complications--treatment & recovery took a long time. Ex
moved out of state 5 years ago. Sold my home and raised the kids on
that as my share of child support. I'd originally been awarded $250 in
spousal maintenance for 2 years, but didn't have it modified/extended
because I was doing okay until sick.
Physically recovered but
can't, however, find employment to support myself. I work pt/no
benefits and can't get back into a corporate job due to checks show
medical bills, problems etc---and can't very well explain it by going
through the series of events outlined here. I'm 55.
My ex's
household income is about 400K. We've had extreme circumstances. Can I
modify spousal maintenance? Does my son have support rights at all that
could be modified due to his autism? I worry what will happen if I die
etc. Was it illegal for my ex to have refused to have either of his
children for summers, holidays, etc. while I was getting chemo etc.? He
said he wasn't legally obligated, that NC are only given the option to
see their kids but aren't required.
Regarding fraud, my ex took a
large sum of money from our joint account before I filed for divorce
using an ATM card in my name I didn't know he had. Ex misrepresented
himself before marriage--does this constitute fraud?
Sorry for the length. Thank you.