How can a wife tell if her separated husband wants to make the marriage work and that he still loves her?

Answer 1

If you have to ask this question it means that he doesn't have any real desire to make it work. He's probably just screwing around while avoiding his responsibilities, and it's often times a financial decision. Make an appt with at least two lawyers in your area that specialize in divorce and family law. If you can afford to pay for an hour of their time, do it. If not... see about 2 or 3 that will allow a free consultation and make a list of questions. Ask them all the same questions (like what financial or legal benefit could my husband benefit from by prolonging the marriage and stringing me along?). Also ask them what YOUR pros and cons might be for keeping the marriage legal (like some states require you be married a certain number of years before you are elegible for spousal support). It sounds like you want the marriage to work, so be honest with each lawyer and tell them that. But tell them that you want to be knowledgeable about your choices should you not be able to make it work. Seriously. I have given this advice to a half dozen friends (both male and female) over the years and those who made appts and met with at least one good lawyer? They were shocked to learn some little legal loophole that might have been having a huge effect on their lives. Good luck. If he truly wants to make it work he will show it through his actions, not his words. If they words and actions don't line up... be realistic and be prepared. Confide in God and a few incredibly wonderful friends and family members. You need them with you right now.