What are my options?

[abclover]

You have ernormous courage to serve the separation, which is daunting to many. Hope all things turns out well for both party. Most innocent is the child.

As long as both party agrees to the terms of the separation, the legal costs can be greatly saved rather than waste on unnecessary bickering over assets.

[erkianpeng]

Originally Posted by damong777

Bro....get a lawyer specializing in family law most important

Things to do while pending divorce or separation
1) whatever u paying or giving her for maintenance must still continue
2) same for kid
3) dun post or get caught in anything which may be of disadvantages to u
4) if got money in joint account dun touch. Got extra put under parent before being serviced
5) any verbal agreement is useless between wife as no witness. Wait till go to mediation for mutual divorce then agree to anything. Dun commit without ur lawyer especially verbal or written.
6) any amount u agree to for divorce remember if lump sum is 50% payable when intermediate or first judgement come out. 50% when final 3 months later. If got house decide first u want to sell or take over share.
7) never agree to $1 maintenance...will be death knell for u if u do.

This was what my lawyer taught me when I was in midst of my divorce. Hope it will help

Why agreeing to $1 maintenance can be a death knell? I know that the other side can subsequently request to up it when needed. Is this the reason?

[damong777]

Originally Posted by erkianpeng

Why agreeing to $1 maintenance can be a death knell? I know that the other side can subsequently request to up it when needed. Is this the reason?

Yes in a way. Depending on the standard of life u used to provide as basis. And imagine u have a new family kid etc then kena hit by a new burden of maintenance.

U never know when ur ex may exercise this option. So try not to be naive when agreeing on $1...sound great but implication not every lawyer will explain.