Will I Owe My Husband Alimony if We Separated 10 Years Ago?

I’ve been separated for more than 10 years after a 30-plus-year marriage. The past 10 years, I’ve supported the family home, paid off all outstanding bills and paid off the credit card debt of over $15,000.

I also sold the family home last year and split the proceeds equally. Before selling the home, I couldn’t afford an attorney for a divorce. (I made half of what I make now, and holding on to the house took most of my money.) I filed on my own behalf, but it never went anywhere because they need documentation from both parties which (on his part) never happened.

I now have money to hire an attorney, but I am nervous about my savings and retirement accounts and money from the sale of the family home. I still work and now make over $80,000. But the problem is he has no job and is living off the sale of the home. He is 62 and could file for retirement but wants to wait a while longer.

A few years ago, I was advised by an attorney that a judge could require me to pay alimony because it was a long-term marriage and I’m the only one with income.

I am looking into investing the money from the sale of the house. Hopefully, that should not be an issue because I split those funds. However, I’m worried about my retirement accounts that have grown substantially these past 10 years. Also, for the past seven years I’ve contributed $50 a month for my five grandchildren in a 529 plan.

I really want the divorce because I know it will make me feel better, but I don’t want to fall back into another struggle financially. Before I hire an attorney, do you have any advice for moving on with my life?

-D.