my wife left, but still lives with me #2/continued

[FloydMan]

Well, she is going to have to learn to be the finance girl for herself if this is the route she wants to take. You need to establish through your counsels a valuation date (separtation). That may be difficult legally if you share a bedroom. You will need to put an 'equal' amount into he account to cover bills, costs, children expenses etc. this will save you the nightmare i am living now and litigating over post-separation expenses. Doyou both make the same amount of $? This will become part of the 'business' phase of the break-up. Once one person does not contribute their share it is a bad scene and lawyers feast. Start doing a NFP (Net Family Property) statement. You can find all this on-line relevant to your state or province. Bottom line is, you both must put in same amount. The rest will equalize at settlement (in a perfect world). In mine, I put in over $30k more to cover mortgage, bills, even her BMW payments (in joint names). All to protect from defaulting and protect my credit rating (ironically hers too...some banker). Now I am trying to get that back and is a nightmare. Don't be a doormat and be used. She must contribute the same and you must get that agreed, in writing with counsel along with a valuation date. This could be lengthy and it adds up pal. Don't do her favours of any sort.