Legal Obligation For Car Insurance Payment?

My wife and I separated last month. While drivinf a Ford Taurus which was paid for and registered by myself she was hit. Thankfully, neither she nor our three year old were hurt but the car was totalled to a sum over $5,000.00. I had told her once the check comes in I would deposit it in my checking account and write a personal check out for the amount of the check. People are now telling me that I am entitles to one half of that check especially since I paid for the car (including taking a loan out against my 401K), apid the entire insurance costs while we had the car and any and all major repairs and upkeeping costs. I live in New York State if that helps. The thing is that I already said I would give her the full amount (in writing on an e-mail) and feel this now binds me to do that. It's just that with her moving out, this little extra money could help me out here as well. Anyone out there have any idea what to do????
Thank You Very Much.
you may have paid for it but she f-ucked you and had a kid... you are legally entitled to twenty-five hundred. she is legally entitled to ask for 35 hundred in child support. she is also entitled to half the money in the 401K. how exactly does $2,500 liquid cash help you...
If you're a man of your word, give her half, and don't look back. (you'll sleep better)
It would depend on what state you live in. Some states have community property laws which would make half of all her stuff yours (and vice-versa).

If that's the case then you woul be entitled to half the amount of the check. However, if I were you, I would consult an attorney to discuss your rights and options.
How ugly do you want this divorce to be?


Answer:
Would you have let her keep the car? If the answer is yes then I would say you should give her the money. And you did, after all, make the statement that you were going to do that.

I understand that you may need the money. Believe me, that's a dilema that hits home for most of us. But just by asking this question you tell me that you know what the right thing to do is.

Keep your promise, I say.
Will her half of the money ensure your 3 year old a safe ride to and from your home?? You did say the ride was totaled, right?

Her cost are just a bit higher than yours, she is taking care of your child.....hello.

If you want to make your divorce about the money....go ahead. A judge will surely make the correct decision about how much of your check and property you actually need to survive on, whether you like it or not.
Ok then keep the totalled car and the check? Better yet, just keep your word.