After I left, my two older children came with me, but my youngest chose to stay with his father because he said his dad would be alone. I work as an online English tutor, and my income depends on daily client bookings, which vary each day.
Since the separation, my husband has constantly harassed me through messages and berated me whenever I could not provide more money than he demanded. My youngest child, who lives with him, attends a public school, and my husband insists that I pay for all household expenses, including bills, food, and other necessities. I also support my two older children, who are both in college. Recently, we had a major argument because he questioned how much money I earn and how I use it. He told me he has the right to access my finances because we are married and that the law requires me to disclose my income to him. He even went to the barangay and filed a complaint claiming I was not supporting them financially. I presented proof of the money I sent that month, which totaled almost ₱20,000. The barangay ruled in my favor, recognizing that I was providing support for my child. My husband argued that the support was only for our child and not for him, but the barangay stated that I am not obligated to support him and that he must support himself.
Previously, I gave them almost ₱5,000 weekly, but due to my unstable income and my health problems, I had to reduce the allowance to ₱1,500 weekly and provide additional food supplies for my younger child. This angered him, and now he demands that I disclose my full financial status so he can see where my money goes.
Am I required to support him even if we are separated and no longer living together? Am I legally obligated to show him my financial information? For context, he has not worked since he was terminated from his previous job due to substance abuse, and he refuses to work if the pay is low. I told him that if he cannot support our child while the child is under his care, then he should give me custody instead. I will provide for our child as long as he lives with me.
Lawyer Answers
NARAG LAW OFFICE
Good day.
Based on the situation you described, you are not legally required to disclose your full financial status or income to your husband, especially since you are already living separately and there is no court order requiring such disclosure.
Your primary legal obligation is to provide support for your minor child, not for your husband. Under the law, support should be proportionate to the needs of the child and the financial capacity of the parent providing it.
If your husband is capable of working but refuses to do so, he cannot legally demand that you shoulder all household expenses alone. Both parents share the responsibility of supporting their child.
Unless there is a court case regarding support, he cannot compel you to reveal your financial records.
If the harassment continues, there may also be legal remedies available to protect you.
To properly evaluate your situation and provide you with appropriate legal advice, we recommend that you contact or visit our office as soon as possible for a consultation.
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