Divorce or Separation

[Dan77]

I have been married for several years, I live in Kansas & we have 1 child - age 17
I was disabled for life in a car crash in Dec 2003.....Since then things have gone downhill & 3 weeks ago my wife abandoned me & our daughter & she moved out of state.
Now she has been calling & saying that she is gonna take me for "half" of everything I own or ever will own.....I will get some sort of settlement in the near future ( not alot though )......as of now-she has not filed any thing.

I am on govt. disability & my daughter is in school right now....we are basically living in poverty.

My question is :

# 1....Should I file for divorce on grounds of abandonment ??

# 2....Can I just file for a legal separation ( so she can't take any of my money ).....and if I file for legal separation - does that stop her from getting at my belongings or any money I may recieve through a settlement of my personal injury case ??


I really can't afford a divorce at the present time , but I don't want her to take me to the cleaners ??....I need to stop her now - HOW CAN I DO THAT ??

Thanks...Dan77

[Mr. Knowitall]

Do you feel that there will be a reconciliation? If not, divorce makes more sense than separate maintenance. You should consult a lawyer about her eligibility for any assets you hold, which will depend upon whether they are part of the marital estate, and your state's laws as to the treatment of personal injury settlements in divorce. If you cannot afford a lawyer, check out these resources.