You are not legally obligated to support her. If a divorce is filed the court could make alimony retroactive.
California Alimony California determines alimony based on the recipient's “marital standard of living,” which aims to allow the spouse to continue living in a similar manner as during the marriage.
California determines alimony based on the recipient's “marital standard of living,” which aims to allow the spouse to continue living in a similar manner as during the marriage.
Countries including Australia, Canada, Germany, Mexico, and the U.K. regularly work with U.S. courts to enforce alimony orders across international borders. However, enforcing an international alimony order may take more time than enforcing a domestic one.
Texas is one of the most difficult states to win alimony in a divorce. While it is possible to win alimony or spousal support in court, it is much more likely to receive alimony through a private contract created as part of the divorce settlement.
The citizen spouse must sign a contract (I-864) with the Federal government promising to support the non-citizen spouse financially. In most cases, even if the couple divorces, the citizen spouse must continue to support the non-citizen spouse.
With the advent of no-fault divorces in most States, and most Western countries, the MOST you lose is 50% of what you have brought into the marriage DURING the marriage (inheritances are exempt from division). AND you get 50% of whatever your SPOUSE has brought into the marriage.
Divorcing your spouse when they live overseas is not as difficult as you may believe. While it is a bit more complicated, logistically, the divorce process is functionally the same as for two people who live in California.
You need to consult a family law attorney in your state familiar with divorcing someone who is outside the country. Most states will allow a divorce if one of the parties is a resident (usually met after living in the state for 6 months or more).
You both go to the civil registry and explain you want an administrative divorce. It is easy and quick. If both parties are not in agreement, then you must hire an attorney and sue for divorce in the town or city where you have a residence.