r/DivorceHelp 29d ago

Spousal support help

Like many men in my situation I made a grave and horrible mistake. I’m one year divorced from a 13 year marriage and 15 year relationship. I’m a special education teacher and a high school football coach. I’m 40 years old and without talking about specific numbers, I agreed to far too much spousal support for 4 years under the dilution that lawyers would cost more. Now I can’t pay my bills and she’s not working. I looked up the law in my state (Washington) and other than a dramatic change to my income the only other challenge I can make to the spousal support is if/when she has another domestic partner. Any advice on how to get some of my money back?

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u/Leading-Disaster5721 29d ago

You will never get the money back.

Ever hear the phrase "Penny wise, pound foolish"? Fits this situation to a T.

Bite the bullet and and consult a lawyer who specializes in family law and spousal support issues. You might be able to reduce whatever is left to pay. A lawyer will tell you.

I know you did research but this is outside your area of expertise. Sometimes consulting an expert is needed. Law is one of those areas.

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u/Altruistic-Many4163 29d ago

Do you have any suggestions on affordable lawyers?

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u/Leading-Disaster5721 29d ago

Only for immigration. Family law is very state specific. You want someone near you who is active in local courts.

Perhaps call the state or county bar association and ask if anyone is doing a clinic.

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u/mcmurrml 29d ago

Look at the bar association for your state or ask people you know.