I am not divorced yet, can my ex still help me pay some of the bills?

Yes. You may file a claim for Post-Separation Support which allows you to maintain the standard of living you enjoyed during the course of your marriage.

A claim for Post-Separation Support requires:

1. Dependent Spouse: a spouse who is dependent on the other and cannot maintain his/her accustomed standard of living because he/she does not make enough money to do so
2. Supporting Spouse: has the means and ability to support the dependent spouse

Showing that the supporting spouse has engaged in marital misconduct will help your claim for post-separation support. So, if your spouse has cheated, used drugs, or abused you during the marriage, you are more likely to be awarded post-separation support. Remember, however, that once you point the finger at your spouse, the judge must also look into any misconduct by you during the marriage.

Payments for post-separation support end when your divorce is final or when the judge rules on your alimony claim. So, be sure to file for alimony when you file for divorce to ensure that you don't lose the claim and that you can continue to pay your bills. 

For more information on how much you can expect to receive in post-separation support and how to begin the process, contact me at 
(919) 321-6569, Nastasia@kisalawatkins.com,  www.KisalaWatkins.com