 Chronic Disease and marriage and divorce
My wife (late 50s) and I (61) are not the healthiest people in the world, even so we probably have a number of good years ahead of us.
I have a neurological condition that has me using an electric scooter for distances over 50' and occasionally falling, my long term prospects are not good, even so I could have many pleasant years before using "plan B". I have long term care insurance - expensive but will pay for part of home care if I need it, the Social Security Administration is paying me disability (SSDI), I have a pending claim for Long Term Disability Insurance from my firm's insurer, and enough assets that I enjoy my life. I want to move to San Francisco, my suburban town is boring, winter too cold, summer too hot.
My wife was a heavy smoker, suffers from depression that seems to be under control lately due to meds, and is a 7 year survivor of breast cancer with no recurrence. HURRAH !
She is working and has a reasonable income, she loves her job, wants to stay here in CT where her aging parents live. She has her salary, a 6 digit 401K, pension, and social security.
As I wrote in a response to GreenPearl, I'm a nice guy, despite thinking I want to divorce my wife, I also want to make sure she has enough wealth to live many comfortable years.
My question is - given our wealth, given that our finances are separate aside from our house where we have 50% equity should we divorce ? I will ask our eldercare attorney, I think I know her answer, but really want to see what I hear.
I'm concerned that medical problems could rapidly cost either of us a small fortune not covered by insurance for long term care either in a nursing home - her choice, or at home - my choice, the healthier spouse would be responsible for the costs of care, CT's Medicare agency goes after spousal assets PDQ.
Mark
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